Gusts

The virtues of a superior man are like the wind; the virtues of a common man are like the grass; the grass, when the wind passes over it, bends. - Thoreau

Image Credit: Shutterstock

march winds lean against my window

echoing canted, eternal voices

rap-tapping hollow, hallowed percussion from the past

disturbed spirits no doubt

their cries shout

no way in

no way out

homeless

hapless

searching for inner peace

they'll have to wait

for april's gentle lamb

with its cleansing rain

a place to lay claim

whilst whistling their long-winded shame

Author's Note

“The strongest wind cannot stagger a Spirit; it is a Spirit’s breath. A just man’s purpose cannot be split on any Grampus or material rock, but itself will split rocks till it succeeds.”

Reviews

[barleygirl]

There's something about a pummeling wind that dampens the spirits, which is what I'm catching from your poem. As if winter can't just peacefully hand us spring, but there has to be this month-long tussle over whether we might warm up or not. I love how your poem suggests this is how life can also feel as we emerge from some tough circumstance (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

yes, quite a tussle it has been especially down by the water. the endless, relentless circle of weather and life ... :)

[SheIsMe]

I love how you referenced the rain as cleansing. I agree with that. Supposed to rain here all weekend. I think I'll go stand in it. Beautiful work!

[Pete]

as they say, there's a reason and a purpose for everything under the sun. i remember playing in the rain as child, so cathartic but the wind has been rattling my cage. we're supposed to get some rain tomorrow ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

You know Pete, this little poem is so visually atmospheric, the wind rattling on the window pane reminded me of Wuthering Heights. Heathcliffe and Kathy. Her lost spirit revisiting. Returning to haunt him. Very nicely composed work.

Chris

[Pete]

thanks chris. it has been so windy here especially by the water. those winds forced their way into my thoughts ... :)

[emmajoy]

With your first line, I knew that this poem would have a heart rippling throughout.. and I was right. (that doesn't always happen!) Those march winds do keep knocking, begging for entry.. and then, leave their tears along with their echoes. Your poetry is so visual here.. makes one think.. and, that is what words should do. Thank you so much for sharing, Pete. Hope you're keeping safe.

[Pete]

lol. you know me all too well by now from my writings. has been a windy march especially by the water on my daily constitutionals. those winds speak if we lend an ear and open our heart. thought it deserved a write. thanks em ... :)

[Cherrie Palmer]

the voices of the wind, from gentle whispers to a boisterous boast it is seldom lost for words.
Very lovely.

[Pete]

from gentle whisper to quiet roar, it certainly does have much to say. thanks for sharing cherrie and remember to hold onto your hat ... :)

[lightsong]

You know my friend, treat others with respect and they will be forced to treat You the same, Thoreau first quote echod that in my head, and You know Pete, You are truly an outstanding poet, I always say to write beautiful words can be easy, but to write beautiful words and be a smart, clever and brilliant poet is another thing and not easy, and You are that poet. like the aimless wind these poor spirits are lost, while even the toughest winds only strengthen the strong firm spirit that's overwhelmed with faith and virtue, no life winds or life trails can break it... it is they who leave their impact on it, not its on they. amazing amazing totally amazing one!

[Pete]

wow, so generous. there is a poem in your thoughts. truth always finds a way into light, darkness is trapped. the wind ushers both. is up to us and you always remind. beautiful thoughts on the matter lightsong. thank you my friend ... :)

[Yellow Butterfly]

Okay, so I had to take some time reading this piece a few times to ascertain what it was saying to me...and then come back to it with my thoughts.

So I had to do a little bit of research lol...my understanding of your beautifully penned poem and Thoreau's quote on virtues as follows....


"Virtue is viewed as the habitual capacity of a person to respond freely and consciously to situations in a manner that reflects and intensifies his conformity to Jesus Christ.…" ~ Moral Theology

This was deep...giving me food for thought... nicely penned as always Pete :)

YB

ps: Great music choice

[Pete]

i love your interpretation. you've gone even deeper than i had envisioned when i penned it. happened upon the song yesterday. the whole album is incredible as are your thoughts. happy easter yb ... :)

[Yellow Butterfly]

I admire your work here Pete at the cafe... and I should 'Thank you' for introducing me to the works of Thoreau's ...'WALDEN'. Recently got myself a copy and I'm taking my time reading it..... :)

Happy Easter to you too :)

YB

[Pete]

you're very welcome. that book opened my eyes and touched me like nothing else ever has. it put me in touch with a part of myself that i never knew existed. i used to live near walden pond. i've swum it and walked the woods around it. i've seen the replica of his house and the actual site. i'm quite certain that a part of his soul is there ... :)

[Yellow Butterfly]

from what little I have read and from the quotes you write of his work I too feel a sense that Thoreau was a very special human being...and I don't doubt his soul is still at Walden Pond.... :)

[Diverse TV]

That was me humming on the wind. I was just trying to tell you I enjoyed your poetry. But I guess this is probably a better way to tell you =)

[Pete]

would be quite am impressive feat if your humming was carried on the wind to my waiting ears. thanks so much for sharing ... :)