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bizarre convictions
born of the wilderness
Yet I place my trust
in the ultimate meaning
of an empty cross
I have seen the rippling leaves in a sudden wind. Heard the rush of a rain-swelled brook. Smelled the fresh smoke of a new fire. Touched the bark of a five-hundred-year-old oak. Tasted the mint leaves growing beside a wooded trail.
In all of them, Love is. The Love through which the universe cycles, and through which we live, move, and have our being.
All too often, I experience the awe of such encounters, only to forget and walk away, consumed again with my own concerns. Would that I held the lessons of the wilderness in my heart always.
wet grass
enjoying the pleasures
of being home
the unsettled silence
of the ordinary
for Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 94, “Beliefs & Strange,” #SynonymsOnly
Kiwinana’s #Weekly Tanka Prompt #Poetry Challenge – Week 106 – Enjoying & Pleasures
Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Wilderness
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Frank J. Tassone 
I think this is my favourite of your poems, Frank. Truly beautiful. The imagery takes me right into the heart of wilderness – the source of wonder.
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Thank you, Sherry! I appreciate your kind feedback.
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Another great post. Thanks have a great day.
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Thank you, Elsie! 😀
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“In all of them, Love is. The Love through which the universe cycles, and through which we live, move, and have our being.” I love that this can be bizarre and unsettling–anything but ignored. Lovely.
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Thank you, Susan. Sorry for the late reply.
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the unsettled silence
of the ordinary… just love that!
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Thank you! Sorry for the late reply.
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Love certainly is! What a great poem to read and wallow in I really loved it.
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Thank you! Sorry for the late reply.
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Nature has so much to teach us… Oh if I would just stop and listen more.
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Thank you, Susie! Sorry for the late reply.
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“In all of them, Love is.”…This is it. If all could perceive this, this planet would be a different place. Very well written.
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Thank you, Sumana! Sorry for the late reply.
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Beautiful, Frank!
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Thanks, Kim! 😀 Sorry for the late reply.
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The emotions behind this piece elevate it beyond mere observation of nature’s beauty. The speaker’s delight in those moment of grace is beautiful.
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Thanks, Rommy! 😀 Sorry for the late reply.
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Such stunning imagery in this one, Frank! I feel as though I have stepped right into the heart of wilderness 💜
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Thanks, Sanaa! 😀 Sorry for the late reply.
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A wonderful poem Frank.
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Thank you, Annell! 😀 Sorry for the late reply.
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These ordinary experiences are somehow the most significant too – I like how you create that love for natural surroundings in your words. And I really liked the second tanka.
-HA
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Thanks! 😀
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The ordinary is often scoffed at… we don’t recognize how wonderful it really is.
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So true! Thanks!
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I love, love this Frank. Savoring the moments, always a good thing. Love the use of the senses in this..just enhances it. Nice work Frank.
Pat
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Thanks, Pat! 😀
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Some people would scoff at the image of the empty cross. I’m not of of them.
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Thank you! Sorry for the late reply.
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‘the unsettled silence
of the ordinary’
This poem has entered my heart.
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Thank you, Sara! 😀 sorry for the late reply.
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Frank, this is some fabulous poetry. Your descriptions are rich and transport me to your world. WOW!!
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Thanks, Colleen! 😀
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😀
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Deep and beautiful. The echoes of our hunter-gatherer heritage calling to us down through the ages.
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Thanks you!
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Thank you, Elsie! 😀 Sorry for the late reply.
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Frank, your Tanka is powerful and moving. I enjoyed your words they are full of imagery. Great post!
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Thank you, Vashti! I appreciate it!
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Frank, Just a wonderfully written and expressive piece. Gave me welcome goosebumps. Thank you, Jordy
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Thank you, Jordy! I’m glad you liked it! 😀
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