Commentary
Photographs and thoughts
Into
The darkest days of winter
full of uncertainty and fear
of loss and pain
grief and sorrow
There comes one
of light
full of joy and peace
grace and truth
like an innocent dove
To bring good news to the poor
to bind up the brokenhearted
with healing in his wings
to comfort all who mourn
This One, this symbol of peace
may He bring encouragement
to hope
in the midst of turmoil
to keep loving
through the darkest days of winter.
Cold, clear stream
Crisp, clean snow
Stately, solemn trees
Stirring, silent breeze
Light overcomes darkness.
March 2020
near home, Minnetonka
A Lament
The world
upside down
distorted
death
decay
all around
Covid
raining tears.
Springtime.
Hope.
The cross is a universally recognized symbol of the suffering of Christ on our behalf.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
“You will find rest for your souls”.
“His mercies are new every morning.”
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and. the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
In this case, there was a little help from two airplanes.
Sky above La Spezia, Italy April 2023
January 14, 2022
Louisville Swamp, Minnesota
Tortured but enduring
A solitary oak, my companion over many visits.
The prairie grass is burned occasionally either naturally or by conservation workers as means of prairie restoration.
The tree bears scars at its base from these fires. The large knot at the base is its attempt to heal these insults with some success. But the large burn marks remain.
I can barely imagine the storms, the heat of summer, crackling cold winters, driving rain and hail he has endured. I admire his resilience.
He stands alone.
Two years later I returned to my old friend to find him succumbed to the difficulties of life.
March 22, 2024
January 22, 2022
Louisville Swamp, Minnesota
Two oak trees growing intertwined over decades.
Now as one.
Two together