Lavender

Oct 13, 2023

Psithurism

Poem Body

It is so quiet here,
but for the rustling
sound of the wind
through the leaves.

It is called psithurism,
a word that hushes
my small world as I speak its name.

Oh, Israel,
Oh, Palestine,
Oh, Ukraine, Russia, Sudan,
Oh, innocent people of nations rattled by war,

I pray for your whispering leaves
that you may feel their hush, know their rest.

I watch as a great hawk skims the air,
its mighty wings, gloriously free.

About This Poem

Editing Stage: Editing - rough draft

About the Author

Country/Region: United States

Favorite Poets: I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.

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Comments

I feel...

like I have just seen the preview to a blockbuster war-movie! "What's next, what wonders of love, intrigue and heroism will we see?" Then...
~ Geezer.
.

My comment wasn't met with the spirit I intended, but what I meant was that... the hawk, which I saw as an eagle, was the beginning of a story; but when the story didn't continue, I was disappointed. I was hoping to see it continued. Sorry if you got the wrong impression. ~ Geez.
.

Hi, Geezer,

Although I didn't quite understand your comment, I was actually in a bit of a sobering disconnect for a few days after writing this and not clear how to communicate. I probably should have waited another day or so before responding. Please know how much I appreciate your comments, and thank you again for reading, my friend,
L

Nay...

not your fault at all! I wasn't very clear myself. I guess we all have those days, huh? Good to know that you are feeling better. ~ Geez.
.

Heartfelt, painful yet

Heartfelt, painful yet hopeful.
Well done on drawing my attention in such a way that the word, psithurism distracted me and made me look beyond the wars in this world. Ruby xx

Hello, Ruby,

Wanted to thank you again. I always appreciate your wonderful encouragement.
L

Hi Lavender, thank you for

Hi Lavender, thank you for your thank you, it's my pleasure. Ruby :) xx

Hi, Ruby,

Thank you very much.
L

at the end of the day, we all

at the end of the day, we all want the same thing. a day of peace and filled stomach. such a wonderful call for peace.

Hello, Celso,

You are so right - we all want the same things. Thank you for reading and your lovely comment.
L

dear friend.

you write so beautifully... I love your calming effect that you pass on to your readers! your words come from a beautiful soul!

*-----
what scares me; the monstrous ones that are possessed by such a damning fire of hate. those who are only happy when they are destroying and defiling anything beautiful. it makes me wonder what made them so damaged?

*love, Cat

Hello, Cat,

It was surreal listening to such a peaceful sound while the terror of war was being heard and felt around the world. A hawk flew over as I was meditating. Thank you for your generous comment.
Much love,
Lx

Well done

So beautifully written. We all wish for peace in the grand scheme of things. Your poems are always so well thought out and elegant no matter what the content. I also learned a new word from this. Great job as always.

Hello, Carrie,

I am graced to not know first hand the terrors of war - can only imagine the intense brutality. This moment was so serene, one of nature's most magical experiences - and all I had to do was sit and take it in. What a blessing. Then I realized just how the senses (hearing, in this case) during war are all assaulted along with obvious severe anguish. These are our brothers and sisters. Thank you so much for reading - I always appreciate you!
Lx

Thank you L

My dad is a Vietnam veteran...he served two tours and I grew up hearing the horror stories and cannot imagine what these folks are going through. Your poem was absolutely beautiful.

Thank you, Carrie,

Oh, my. Warmest regards to your Dad...and you, too.
L