Turtle’s Reverie

Posted bywordsandcoffee1Posted inMotherhood, Poetry, W3 PromptsTags:, , , , , 
stopping for a breath
the world set atop our back
bowing like branches
bathed in filtered mellow light
sifting silent rivulet

This week’s Wea’ve Written Weekly prompt from the Skeptic’s Kaddish comes from Lesley, who asks us to do the following:

  • Write about the first wild creature that you see which inspires you on the day you write your poem (by wild creature I do not mean your spouse, etc.). *If you cannot get outside—write about the nature /wildlife within your home or visible from a window (even the window of your mind). 
  • She also provided some potential themes and said to write the poem in any style that we wish!
My oldest son kayaking independently this weekend.

This weekend, we spent some time at my grandmother’s cabin, which is a couple hours north of where we live in a fairly rural area that typically only receives visitors in the summer. We spent the time fishing and kayaking mainly, and I have to say that kayaking (and being in nature in general) is one of my favorite things to do with my kids because it’s so fun to watch them absorb the wonders of the world around them.

We spotted the turtle (likely a common map turtle or a painted turtle) from the image above while kayaking. We also spotted two otters darting together and seemingly engaging in silent conversation before diving back underwater; unfortunately, I wasn’t able to snap a photo of them in time. It was the first time I’d seen river otters while kayaking, and my youngest son (who was sitting on my lap) was so excited that he bounced the kayak back and forth.

Though we only spotted them for a few moments, the otters seemed so peaceful. I compare otters to beavers, but beavers are really so much grumpier. My only kayak-related experience with a beaver was several years ago when I maneuvered along a a narrow stream and encountered a beaver dam on one side. He wasn’t very happy to see any humans– splashed his tail at us and made an angry chittering noise until I quickly paddled away. I believe he shook his fist as well: “Get off my lawn, you lousy humans!” You really never know what you’ll encounter on a kayaking adventure.

23 thoughts on “Turtle’s Reverie”

  1. This is a beautiful metaphor for life. A turtle carrying the world on its back. Reminds me of the Eastern myth of the cosmic turtle, Akupara. I can imagine that angry beaver. That incident you shared couldn’t help making me smile. 🙂

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  5. Otters and a turtle?! Kayaking? Wow 🤩 Please may I join you?
    What bliss and fun for your kids to experience this. If I’d seen all that from my kayak—I’d have overturned!
    The poem is gorgeous. “ sifting silent rivulet” is sheer poetry 🌹❤️

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  7. I do enjoy watching river otters – so playful! But turtles are fascinating!! My artist friend does bronze sculptures of turtles (of all types). I love your characterization of the beavers – they are grumpy!

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  10. “Get off my lawn, you lousy humans!” You really never know what you’ll encounter on a kayaking adventure.😂

    I forget which poem or post of yours, I read for the last time.

    I was busy in several exams. And it was essential to fully focus on them.

    I have posted a few blog posts this week. It has helped me to release my mental pressure, and allow my thoughts to flow freely.

    It would be interesting to read your blog posts. I consider them somehow unique.

    I enjoyed reading above poem. You have beautifully described the picture.
    It’s interesting to know your life updates as well.

    Take care, Sarah.😊
    Sorry for being absent for so long.

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