December 24, 2011

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep” – Robert Frost

For forty years my family owned a rural property, much of it wooded. It was my good fortune to grow up there surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. I had an intense love of this place. It enriched me in countless ways and continues on in my memories and dreams.

Forests need not be daunting places. They can be truly marvelous places to spend time. I urge those who never have, and those who haven’t lately, to take a walk in the woods.

Epiphany Amidst The Evergreens

 In these woods there is a light,

casting fire in the night.

Amidst the fair boughs, downy snow,

There is a sudden radiant glow.

In the place, where earth meets sky,

the beat of wings as birds rise to fly.

The forest whispers, the fields sing,

awakened by this growing thing.

The voices echo in the wood,

beneath these stars immortals stood.

Other moments slip away,

that mark this place in the day.

Exiled ghosts are drawn near,

to recollect the ones still here.

The horse now pulls on the rein,

as the voices speak again.

Listening, awaiting a faint reply,

or some sign as they pass by.

Then the light flickers, as if to fade,

from these woods ne’er a sound is made.

The horse starts back, now left behind,

some memory for another time.

There are dreams in a Winter’s night,

for in these woods there is a light.

 By Colleen B.Rintoul

 Copyright 1981

December 17, 2011

Recently I had the honour of being asked to compose a poem for someone. They wanted to give it as a gift to their family for Christmas. This was timely because, as well as being a season of reflection, Christmas is also about family. Some people don’t have family with them. This can be due to geographic distances, estrangement, or even death. No matter who we are, or where we live in the world, family is part of our identity. It is our legacy and, as sociologists say, our frame of reference. Family doesn’t entirely define us, but it is a big part of who we are. Like it or not sometimes too, we are part of a larger “family” that is humankind. So in this season and beyond, share with the living and remember those not living. I believe they are always among us as well in all their benevolence. Thanks Kim for the opportunity to compose a poem about family.

Family

 Families are the embodiment
of joys shared
tears shed,
love embraced.
We belong to ourselves and each other
All at once fragile and strong
Wonderful in our humanity.

By Colleen Rintoul
Copyright 2011