“Knife”
Something
just now
moved through my heart
like the thinnest of blades
as that red-tail pumped
once with its great wings
and flew above the gray, cracked
rock wall.
It wasn’t
about the bird, it was
something about the way
stone stays
mute and put, whatever
goes flashing by.
Sometimes,
when I sit like this, quiet,
all the dreams of my blood
and all outrageous divisions of time
seem ready to leave,
to slide out of me.
Then, I imagine, I would never move.
By now
the hawk has flown five miles
at least,
dazzling whoever else has happened
to look up.
I was dazzled. But that
wasn’t the knife.
It was the sheer, dense wall
of blind stone
without a pinch of hope
or a single unfulfilled desire
sponging up and reflecting,
so brilliantly,
as it has for centuries,
the sun’s fire.
~Mary Oliver
Reference image of a red tailed hawk, taken by the amazing Mr. Rodney Campbell, found at Paint My Photo at this link: http://paintmyphoto.ning.com/photo/profile-red-tailed-hawk
Wonderful! Great illustration for the poem, and you really caught the eye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I really miss birds. It’s so nice to have a little more time now. I love Mary Oliver, and plan to do more of this kind of post. I’m so glad you like it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey and the Mets are looking good so far! Nats in the basement!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we’ll take the good news while we can. It’s a long season.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Great work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I miss wildlife and nature art, it’s probably what I enjoy most.
LikeLike
Wow! Powerful words and art combined today, Laura. I love it. And the hawk – those eyes! You are so gifted in doing eyes to just draw me in. The intensity of those eyes held me breathless for a moment or two. I don’t recall how I first found you, but I remember the first post of yours I saw – it was R is for Racoon – and I’ve been hooked since :). Happy 4/15! Are you doing the dance?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! I’ll be doing lots more realism, wildlife and portraits specifically, now that crazy time is winding down. Totally dancing, yes!! I remember you commenting on my raven way back in January. It seems like a lifetime ago! I love the raccoon; he’s one of my favorites.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my gosh, this is beautiful. Your drawing is so realistic, and you picked a striking poem to draw for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. Realism and wildlife have taken a back seat to work demands, but they’ll be coming back now. I’m so glad you enjoyed both. I just love Mary Oliver’s work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You do have a way with birds! Beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Jo.
LikeLike
Beautiful post! The bird is striking!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Rebecca! Realism returns! :))
LikeLike
That eye!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’ve missed drawing creatures with eyes! :))
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful piece of art for a lovely poem! Awesome job on drawing the hawk’s head!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teresa! This was non-Inktense watercolor pencil (not sure if you’re curious about the difference).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I am! Thanks for clarifying. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job!
Shine On
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Julie! You shine, too! :))
LikeLike
Gorgeous hawk portrait :-). To repeat Kirkistan’s words: that eye! I’d never read that poem by Mary Oliver before. I like the contrast between the free flying bird and the immobile stone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Yes, she is amazing. It’s a pleasure to quote her work. I’d like to start drawing things based on what inspires me from a work of poetry. Makes the alphabet more interesting and fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very intense looking eye! Well done. 👀
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jean!
LikeLike
wow, just stunning. Perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, T! It’s nice to be drawing birds again.
LikeLike
WOWZA Laura! You nailed another awesome bird drawing! Your hawk is skillfully done and pairs well with the poem. You are a natural at birds! 😊😊😊 And happy the 15th has arrived so you can relax a bit. 🎨🌈❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jill! I bet this one would be good friends with your owl. :))
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the watchful expression in the eye of the bird…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, nexi!
LikeLike
Nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Victoria!! :))
LikeLike
Really like having your artwork complement the poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’m so awed by Mary Oliver’s work. She always inspires me. Her love of the wild infuses everything. I hope to spotlight many of her works here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A friend recommended Oliver’s poetry to me several years ago. She writes a good deal about nature, especially birds!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s why I’ve loved her stuff for so long. I feel always like I’m right with her in her awe of nature….and how she verbalized it is amazing to me. Dumbfounding, at times. Glad to see you’re also a fan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful work, Laura. The drawing goes very well with the Oliver poem.
LikeLike
Thanks, Donna. I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Her work is amazing. ❤
LikeLike
Wow, that hawk looks amazing – always love your birds!!! Beautiful poem too!!! 🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ann! I’m so happy to be doing birds again! I’m glad you enjoyed it. *flings feathers of inspiration and happiness*
LikeLiked by 1 person