I wandered lonely as a cloud
Once, long ago, as I was wandering along the coastline, I came across a whole field of daffodils in bloom.
This magnificent sight just appeared as I came over a rise and it gave me such a jolt of pleasure as I stood and stared. All the blossoms moved gently in the breeze and created an even more stunning vision than the sparkles of sun on the waves in the bay that I had just been admiring.
I had no idea at that time what a powerful impression this scene had on me, but many times since, I have come to realise the impact of that vision. When I am alone and in a contemplative mood, I often see this image in my mind’s eye, as sharp as if for the first time, and it brings with it the intense feeling of delight that was evoked at that original glance as I strolled over the hill so many years ago.
© 24 February 2021 Lorraine Saunders
From an exercise to portray in prose the emotions evoked by a familiar poem.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
A Crumbling View
Tilting the head slightly to the side, the landscape comes into focus.
My central cloudy vision is unable to reveal any details of this familiar magnificent view extending for miles. Excited gasps and comments indicate the enjoyment of those crowded along the railing.
This has been an interesting day trip with many other older people, all piled in a bus with a very new driver. It is a mystery why someone who is so unsure of routes within the area, has been given the charge of 40 elderly, anxious people.
Touring the city centre was fairly safe, with well signed streets and obvious landmarks, but once the less travelled roads were encountered, the shortcomings of the driver became very obvious. Arriving at a crucial intersection, passengers were unnerved to hear him ask over the speaker, “Does anyone know which way we go?”
Most people were unfamiliar with the region, so I called out “Left!”, knowing full well the righthand road would lead back to the city. This had been part of my allocated area for selling rural insurance for many years. A job I loved. Every road and every turn extremely familiar, even now, when I am forced to walk with a white cane.
How much comfort it must give the other passengers to know that their inexperienced bus driver has a self-appointed legally blind navigator to assist him.
© 12 June 2020 Lorraine Saunders
Timeless Fluid
H2O molecules Rising with the sun’s power falling to land and sea Unchanged and unchanging, combining, disbanding Sempiternal Tsunami, blizzard, avalanche Scouring mountains, eroding canyons Whipped and wielded by wind Pulverising leaf and limb Infiltrating the earth, dissolving minerals, creating caverns. collecting in artesian reservoirs Meandering through underground waterways, filtering, rejuvenating Gentle Wafting as cloud, mist or snow Osmosis, digestions, absorption Into, through, within all life Assimilating molecule by molecule into sap and blood and brain Cooling, Contracting, exfoliating granite Cracking monoliths with the power of a drop Mists, congealing heavy drops called by gravity to soak earth Accumulating tiny orbs Forming rivers, ever moving, source and sustainer Oceans welcoming progeny home Turbulent birthplace of all creatures shrouding living mysteries still Regulator of winds Moderator of temperatures Poisoned Polluted Irradiated Eternally vital yet truly valued? © 14 April 2015 Lorraine Saunders
Rocky River 'Riters 