The raging wind
Strips me of my past
Cleanses my soul
I have no power against it
I surrender ...
The gentle wind
Caresses me
Smoothing the edges
Offering me comfort
On my journey
To myself.
~Christina Solstad
Photo is of New Alto, which is always windy, and provides panoramic views in all directions, including the canyon floor, Fajada Butte, South Gap, and canyons and mountains to the north.
Creative insights can be fleeting. Pay attention. Words can sometimes call clearly to be written in the dark of the night, but may have disappeared by the morning.
I wrote one of my favorite poems because the words insisted, and I listened, and acted. It was as if my mother stood next to me, gently shaking my shoulder, telling me to awaken, like she did when I was in grade school. I sat up, and said “what?!” out loud to the darkness.
The thoughts and words continued to insist, so I got up, grabbed pen and paper, stumbled to the next room, and wrote the words exactly as they sit today in "Heartbeat of Africa." Then I went back to bed. Thank goodness I listened … and acted.
It was two weeks after I had learned that my marriage was ending. My emotions and feelings ran deep and with such intensity that it scared me. And I wrote of an experience in Africa nearly a year and a half earlier.
Heartbeat of Africa
Continue reading "When the Words Must Be Written: Heartbeat of Africa" »
Chaco Walls
These walls speak to me,
Not in voices
But in feelings,
Not to my ears
But to my heart.
I am listening.
~Christina Solstad
The photo is of one of the great houses at Chaco Canyon, Pueblo Del Arroyo (© 2004 Christina Solstad).
The muse often finds me at Chaco. I wrote this in May 2003, on one of my many visits. I always feel like I am coming home when I enter the canyon.
Earth Mother
Oh, Earth Mother
How I love you
You are the source
Of my strength
My balance
You cleanse my soul
And fill it up again
With love
And knowing
You are tough
And you are kind
My feet on your soil
Feel warm
Grounded
Home.
~Christina Solstad
The photo is of Fajada Butte and Chacra Mesa, in October 2007 (© 2007 Christina Solstad). Fajada is visible as you enter Chaco, from either the north or south road, always a welcoming sight.
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