Sometimes I wonder what's more clamorous. What's more noisy. The world outside. Or the spaces inside me. Both get so dark. So dense. So loud. So impenetrable. A gravity so strong not even light can escape it. Not even light is safe from it. It's good to be reminded that somethig as simple as a song is all it takes to cut through.
Duane, every comment you take the time to leave feels worthy of being its own essay, but most especially what you wrote this week. This line -- "something as simple as a song is all it takes to cut through" -- is so powerful, and I can't thank you enough for always bringing so many more layers of meaning and insight to what I share here 🙏
That's such a beautiful comparison, Amanda, and I think you and Duane will both enjoy hearing that in the next essay series I'm currently at work on, a temple bell plays a big part in the artwork :) Can't wait to share it with you soon!
I spend a lot of time here in a concrete Irish city listening out for birdsong. It’s my only connection with beloved nature. Behind my house are a few scraggly old apple trees that still toss some fruit over the wall for me in the fall. The birds love these scrubby trees and old heaps of trash and sticks underneath. It’s their haven in spring. This rare urban habitat is doomed as developers have bought that land and intend to scrape it any day now. Meanwhile I mark my days with the morning and evening bookends of birdsong, blackbirds being the loudest and most prolific song makers. I have read that they, unlike many birds, continue to create new songs their whole lives, well into old age. This is something I have been trying to turn into a poem lately, but it seems instead I am just taking it into my aging life instead, like a vitamin for my creativity. Vitamin Bird. Give me a dose or two every day so I can stay in touch with what it is to be alive and full of song.
Jill, I can't tell you how much I loved your comment -- especially Vitamin Bird and the "bookends of birdsong" that hold your days together. What a beautiful way to put it. And yes! I was also fascinated by the same thing about blackbirds, about how their songs evolve and grow more complex over time and how you can even tell the age of a blackbird from its song. I really wanted to weave that into this story somehow, but decided to save it :)
By the way, I remember in one of your first comments, you wrote about how to begin sharing yourself on the page -- and I just wanted to say that every comment you've taken the time to leave here on Dandelion Seeds has been such a joy to read. I'm not sure if that's of any encouragement to you on your creative journey, but please know I would be so eager to read more of your moving and insightful words 🤍
Thank you, Candace. It means so much to me that a writer such as yourself finds my writing joyful. That’s exactly what you bring to me. I have struggled for years trying to find a way to share my thoughts and creativity. I feel like I have so much to give. These comments maybe are opening in me a little window to what it’s like to be seen and heard. It’s scary because I might not succeed in finding an audience, but maybe I can try!
I enjoyed this and found it inspirational, but then again there is something about the perseversnce of birds that works like a charm when I am dispirited or down in the dumps.
While doing research for this story, it was fascinating to see just how many poems and songs and other writings the blackbird has inspired over the years -- so thank you for bringing Poe to my attention as well!
Poe actually said raven, but ravens and blackbirds are what color? So doesn’t that mean I can use poetic license (swidt) to switch a raven to a blackbird?
The black birds are very different and varied. The Raven is often found near the sea and can be carnivorous. The Mockingbird is found throughout the wooded areas of America and gets its name due to the fact it can imitate the call of any bird except the dove. The Mockingbird is harmless, while The Crow will eat your corn and destroy the work of the farmer. Hence, the Scare Crow. There are a number of black birds and most of them bring joy. Mina my manners.
Thank you so much for reading, Amanda, and for your kind words! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the story, as well as the new way of bringing it to life visually :)
There really isn't anything like it! And I'll always be grateful for this move to Belgium, for helping me discover the blackbird and the gifts of its gorgeous song. Thanks so much for reading, Jeffrey, and for your kind words 🙏
Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the different format, Sharon, and I love how you put that, that it carried the story along 😊 I have a feeling I'll definitely be trying out this style again soon.
Sometimes I wonder what's more clamorous. What's more noisy. The world outside. Or the spaces inside me. Both get so dark. So dense. So loud. So impenetrable. A gravity so strong not even light can escape it. Not even light is safe from it. It's good to be reminded that somethig as simple as a song is all it takes to cut through.
Duane, every comment you take the time to leave feels worthy of being its own essay, but most especially what you wrote this week. This line -- "something as simple as a song is all it takes to cut through" -- is so powerful, and I can't thank you enough for always bringing so many more layers of meaning and insight to what I share here 🙏
I can't thank you enough for all that you share here.
This reminds me of some spiritual practices that use a bell or chime to "clear the fog" and bring the practitioner to the present moment. :)
What a beautiful example. Can't believe I didn't think of that. Thanks so much for reminding me. That's it exactly.
That's such a beautiful comparison, Amanda, and I think you and Duane will both enjoy hearing that in the next essay series I'm currently at work on, a temple bell plays a big part in the artwork :) Can't wait to share it with you soon!
Can’t wait!
I spend a lot of time here in a concrete Irish city listening out for birdsong. It’s my only connection with beloved nature. Behind my house are a few scraggly old apple trees that still toss some fruit over the wall for me in the fall. The birds love these scrubby trees and old heaps of trash and sticks underneath. It’s their haven in spring. This rare urban habitat is doomed as developers have bought that land and intend to scrape it any day now. Meanwhile I mark my days with the morning and evening bookends of birdsong, blackbirds being the loudest and most prolific song makers. I have read that they, unlike many birds, continue to create new songs their whole lives, well into old age. This is something I have been trying to turn into a poem lately, but it seems instead I am just taking it into my aging life instead, like a vitamin for my creativity. Vitamin Bird. Give me a dose or two every day so I can stay in touch with what it is to be alive and full of song.
Jill, I can't tell you how much I loved your comment -- especially Vitamin Bird and the "bookends of birdsong" that hold your days together. What a beautiful way to put it. And yes! I was also fascinated by the same thing about blackbirds, about how their songs evolve and grow more complex over time and how you can even tell the age of a blackbird from its song. I really wanted to weave that into this story somehow, but decided to save it :)
By the way, I remember in one of your first comments, you wrote about how to begin sharing yourself on the page -- and I just wanted to say that every comment you've taken the time to leave here on Dandelion Seeds has been such a joy to read. I'm not sure if that's of any encouragement to you on your creative journey, but please know I would be so eager to read more of your moving and insightful words 🤍
Thank you, Candace. It means so much to me that a writer such as yourself finds my writing joyful. That’s exactly what you bring to me. I have struggled for years trying to find a way to share my thoughts and creativity. I feel like I have so much to give. These comments maybe are opening in me a little window to what it’s like to be seen and heard. It’s scary because I might not succeed in finding an audience, but maybe I can try!
I enjoyed this and found it inspirational, but then again there is something about the perseversnce of birds that works like a charm when I am dispirited or down in the dumps.
Yes! For you and me both, Perry -- birds are such a welcome source of joy in my life, especially on hard days 🙏
This is so beautifully illustrated and the message, a pure song of hope. 🐦 💗🫶🏻
Thank you so much for your wonderful words, Ángel -- I'm so glad this story resonated with you 🤍✨
lovely 🖤✨
Thank you, James!
We all search for peace and quiet being alone is good for your soul / spirit. Truly enjoyed this piece!
When I find a place to be alone,
Please let it be a peaceful retreat,
But don’t forget to give me my partner,
So I can whisper being alone is so sweet.
Thank you, Patricia! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story 🙏
Beautiful ❤️
Thank you, Vicki! 🤍
Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.
“Wretch,” I cried, “thy God hath lent thee—by these angels he hath sent thee
Respite—respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore;
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!”
Quoth the Blackbird “Nevermore.”
While doing research for this story, it was fascinating to see just how many poems and songs and other writings the blackbird has inspired over the years -- so thank you for bringing Poe to my attention as well!
Poe actually said raven, but ravens and blackbirds are what color? So doesn’t that mean I can use poetic license (swidt) to switch a raven to a blackbird?
The black birds are very different and varied. The Raven is often found near the sea and can be carnivorous. The Mockingbird is found throughout the wooded areas of America and gets its name due to the fact it can imitate the call of any bird except the dove. The Mockingbird is harmless, while The Crow will eat your corn and destroy the work of the farmer. Hence, the Scare Crow. There are a number of black birds and most of them bring joy. Mina my manners.
This was beautiful, Candace! I love the white lettering on a dark background! Also, the little story and sentiment was wonderfully encouraging :)
Thank you so much for reading, Amanda, and for your kind words! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the story, as well as the new way of bringing it to life visually :)
This is something both beautiful and inspiring!
Thank you so much, Udaya -- I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
What a lovely reminder. Thank you, Candace. 🙏🏼
Thank *you* Ryan! 🤍
I loved this, Candace, not only for the story but for the presentation. Beautiful work!
I'm so glad to hear that, Sue! Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and let me know you enjoyed it 🤍
A rapturous moment, beautifully captured! There's nothing quite like the song of a blackbird.
There really isn't anything like it! And I'll always be grateful for this move to Belgium, for helping me discover the blackbird and the gifts of its gorgeous song. Thanks so much for reading, Jeffrey, and for your kind words 🙏
I like the new style. I find it easy to read and immerse myself into the wisdom with the colorful background. It carries the story along.
Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the different format, Sharon, and I love how you put that, that it carried the story along 😊 I have a feeling I'll definitely be trying out this style again soon.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing the song of the blackbird 🤍
Thank *you* Autumn! 🤍
So lovely. 🐦⬛❤️
Thank you so much, Tracy 🙏🤍