Tuesday, October 06, 2009

A Tuesday Poem and a Memory


A chilly night. Come morning, snuggled in my bed in the darkness, I'm thankful for the prospect of a warming cup of tea, a light sweater, and my little electric heater beside me as I study (and blog). Using the heater means we don't have to heat the entire house yet.

We lived in Ecuador, South America for many years. There were no seasons to speak of, and I missed them dreadfully - probably autumn most of all. One year we returned to Canada while my husband studied for his master's degree. I was SO COLD! The damp found its way into my bones and stayed there. One day my grandmother showed up at my door with a gift - a small electric heater. I used it constantly that winter. It sat beside me when I sewed or read. When we returned to Ecuador, I left it packed up in our boxes wondering when I would ever use it again.

Seven years ago we returned to Canada and that same heater has been in use every autumn and winter. It sits beside me now, blowing its gentle warmth. My grandmother has been in heaven for a year and a half, but I think of her when I see my heater and I remember her love for me, her thoughtfulness and her prayers.


At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have
settled
after a night of rain.
I dip my cupped hands. I drink
a long time. It tastes
like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold
into my body, waking the bones. I hear them
deep inside me, whispering
oh what is that beautiful thing
that just happened?

Mary Oliver
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10 comments:

  1. I lived in Venezuela for 4 months after I graduated from bible college many years ago.

    And I remember arriving back in Alberta at the end of September and the blustery onslaught of winter.

    My family almost sweated to death because whenever they weren't around, I'd crank the furnace up a few notches. So... yes, I know about that chilling feeling.

    Enjoy your heater today. It's pretty nasty around here this afternoon too!

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  2. Hi Lorrie...
    Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the color and the crisp air..and like you...I am not quite ready to feel the cold.
    Love your handwarmers from the previous post...very pretty.

    Have a great day!
    Hugs, Nancy

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  3. What a wonderful poem! I loved the handwarmers you made.

    Thank you so much for your good wishes.

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  4. I'm going to go look for the little space heaters myself after reading this post. Perfectly charming. I hope that you enjoy a wonderful autumn.

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  5. A nice gift to remember your grandmother by, comfort and warmth.

    The handwarmers look comfortable and warm too. I like them very much.

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  6. Beautiful photos. I love this time of year. Today it's raining and there is a rumor of snow this weekend (too soon for Missouri!)

    The poem is perfect for this post (but I think you already knew that!) ;)

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  7. what a lovely memory of your grandmother..love the hand warmers.

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  8. Memories...pressed between the pages of our minds...

    Without them, life would be empty!

    Thanks for sharing some of yours with us!

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Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

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