Youth's Nostalgic Cacophony

discordant memories of my early life on a farm

Down the stairs and out the door 

to throw rocks down a vacant well

or succor a secret hiding place 

in a loft full of new summer hay.

Rabbits zig-zag through field grass

pursued by spastic beagle hound

frightened killdeer leads foe astray

as broken wing ruse rescues young.       

Cicada chorus floods the yard

shrill octaves first fast then slow

sounding from ancient pin oaks 

upon ears running in yard below. 

Fireflies collected in mason jars

interrupting their mating dance

under full moon arcing overhead

set free to have a second chance.

Porch sitting previews coming storm

ribbon lightning from cloud to cloud

outside a glowing lit window frame

the orb-weaver snares a Luna moth.

Late rain follows week long drought  

birthing buds on honeysuckle vines

as red-wing blackbirds glide about

to settle in cattails near the marsh.

All these are Brocken specters seen

as self seeking illusions that lead

to captivate the lonely soul-

false idols to the heart’s desire.

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

The only sound you didn't touch upon here was the discordant cacophony of a screen door, slamming. All day, every day, I could hear my mother's voice telling us not to let the door slam behind us. It's as much a memory of childhood as all you've listed here. My heart thanks you for the vintage feel of these memories. So well penned, Carl. With a pulse.

[carl]

yes, thank you I should have made it a screen door for sure - that would have been very fitting - thanks for the read and encouragement - much appreciated -carl

[Lydia Shutter]

You put us on a magic carpet and transported us to a farm. The imagery you employ is so vivid, I could see it all. Sometimes being aware of the beauty around us helps us answer burning questions. Nice memories in this one. Lydi*

[carl]

thanks for the read and review - this one was more of a reality piece of memories than what I usually write - carl

[Ayesha Faiz]

This is absolutely beautiful! Rich with imagery, rhythm, and emotion. Each stanza paints a vivid scene, from the playful chaos of nature to the quiet reflections of a soul seeking meaning. There's nostalgia in the way memories and illusions blend, especially in that final stanza, it hits quietly but powerfully. It’s the kind of poem you want to sit with for a while. I truly loved this!

[carl]

Thank you for the read and review - your gracious words are beyond what I could have hoped for or anticipated and they are received with much appreciation and gratitude. These are experiences that I grew up with as a child living on a farm in Southern Maryland - the last stanza is an effort to show their relationship to the heart's desire - I wasn't quite sure how well it accomplished that - again thank you for your kindness - carl

[Ayesha Faiz]

Ah, Southern Maryland... I've heard about that place from one of my friends who has visited there before. What a beautiful place, indeed. It truly gives that peaceful nostalgic vibes.
I'm glad you found my review helpful.
Stay safe and well, dear friend.
—Ayesha

[Betty Hermelee]

This is a magnificent painting of nature; and you show us your love of it; It's not often that we get the chance to breathe in what is all around us, if we're lucky enough to be surrounded by mother nature;
Your vivid descriptions are take in sounds and sights of creatures on land and in the sky, right form your front porch...I'm jealous!
Nice!
Warmly, B

[carl]

This is the life I had as a child and the one my wife and I labored to give our five children - all on one of them are hikers, campers, trekkers, and lovers of the wonderland of nature - carl

[Betty Hermelee]

Nice life Carl, for you and family!!!
Warmly, B

[Lorry]

Your piece hear reminded me of how similar we actually are or were to modern kids. Example... we left home in the morning to boundless adventures and then when we got home (when we were hungry) our parents asked what we got up to and we replied "just playing"
Fast forward to recent times and the discussion has now been replaced with text round the dinner table and if asked the same question they would no doubt reply with a shrugging emoji!
Could you even imagine a modern kid putting down their tablet to listen to cicadas or catch fireflies?
Ah, the nostalgia of youth. Now that takes me back... to when candy bars were as big as a brick and every kid left home each morning without key or cash, in other words homeless! 😃

[carl]

thank you for the read and review - your insight is very clear concerning today and yesterday youth - we are fast moving to a time I fear when nature and our fellow creatures will only be experienced for the most part through an electronic device - a sad lose - carl

[Fabian G. Franklin]

There's nothing so pleasing as observing nature whether the miracle of child birth or the music of birdsong. Written from an obvious nature lover and appreciated by another. Greatly enjoyed, my friend.

[carl]

Thank you for the read and review - be well and be safe - carl