Here is an audio reading of this poem by Jane Piirto

“This I knew and this I thought.”[i]

                 Runo 22, Kalevala

MEDITATION AT HELEN LAKE, MICHIGAN

© Jane Piirto. All Rights Reserved.

Smoky vapor off the lake.

Remnants of coals stirred

in the stove in the outdoor fireplace

rekindle in deep ash.

The sun is arriving again.

Leaden pewter clouds lay scattered

across the golden luminescent east.

Above, patches of blue

promise a fair day.

The dog Jessie sighs in her sleep

while far-off geese cry at breakfast.

The handle of the cup is cold

but the coffee is warm.

Earlier, rising to light the wood stove

I heard the crackle of flame begin

with crumpled newspapers and kindling.

Then I cuddled back into the drowse

of my warm sleeping bag.

Now, small birds dart in the spruce trees

in front of this primitive porch.

They do not stop long enough

for me to identify them.

The deep pleasure in writing

what I sense overtakes me

here in the morning at the table.

Wild phlox, goldenrod, nod in dawn air

catching the magical red-orange light.

Blowing east, the mist begins to dissipate.

The perfect reflections of clouds

and birch shore laden

with fern, moss, and brush

paint the still still lake surface.

The cabins on the other side slumber,

though one burned a bright beam

in three directions last night

while I swam naked

after sauna in moonlight.

Pure elements—

earth, air, fire, water coalesce—

My mind drifts as is its habit

to my grown children

gone to their lives but not

from encompassing protection

of loving thought

and the questions—

Now I have finished this last book

how will I fill time?

What meaning will life take?

Where will the path go next?

When should I retire?

In this exquisite natural tranquility

one discovers in late middle age

is wisdom nascent?

I wish I knew that bird’s name—

Hopper, Flutterer,

Splasher-In-The-Water—