Loneliness, Gratitude and A View of the River — Haiku Experiment #13
A View of the River
lonely river
carves through frost hills
below eagle’s wings
Mini- Commentary:
Loneliness will likely always find us somehow. But looking for moments of wonder — through our pain — can awaken in us new ways of seeing.
Water, flight, and majestic birds like eagles and falcons are among the most emotionally resonant images that captivate me. And, spoken together, they’re often adored as symbols, totems, and through countless myths.
After all, you’ll see images of majestic eagles or falcons soaring above the icy mountains of Middle-Earth in the opening scenes of Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. You’ve probably seen some form of it in a Harry Potter film too.
Water is our source of life on earth and in our everyday living. And the concept of flight continues to captivate our imagination. Aside from the miracle of airplanes, the sheer wonder of watching birds soar through the air continues to astound me.
Sure, sometimes those wacky seagulls will swoop down and steal the pizza I’m eating outside at Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, Canada. And other times, those not-potty-trained pigeons will poop all over my brand new black leather jacket at the harbour on Granville Island. I also haven’t forgotten that crow who stalked me when I was 13 and tried to eat my hair.
Even so, for every lost lunch, trip to the cleaners, or emergency haircut, I remember far more moments born from experiences of awe and wonder.
So in moments when I’m feeling deeply alone, whether from a season of torrential grief, a painful moment of rejection, or a memory of lost love that refuses erasure, I can just close my eyes for a moment, take a breath, and imagine all those scenes of soaring eagles, sweeping landscapes, and glorious blue waters that bring me such wonderment.
Then, once I open my eyes…I’ll just let myself go for a walk. Around the block, through the neighbourhood, or in the park. I will, just say thanks for every little thing that’s beautiful in my city…especially through the tears.
If you wish, feel free to download the “Better Self-Care” workbook for free by visiting my CounterStory Project website
