I came to sit on our balcony on this fine day, equipped with four books to cycle through (I’ve only made forays into two of them so far). Across the street, there are major “doings” going on. The house and property there were purchased by the city about four years ago and although we heard rumors about what the city might eventually do with it, nothing has happened so far except that the city uses it to dump the excess winter snows.
And now? Many trucks and machines moving earth, clearing away trees and bushes, the constant “beep, beep, beep” of machines backing up… In fact, I found the beeping so steady and musical, that I started singing the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King,” using the beeping tone as a foundation to it. Don’t laugh – it worked pretty well. And I’m hidden up here; no one can see or hear me, so I can indulge myself in something eccentric like that without risking public derision. Of course, now I’ve told you, so if want to deride me, I’ve given you ample ammunition.
I want to go and ask the workers what the plan is for the property, but my innate shyness forbids it. We’ll find out soon enough. I’ve often walked over there with my camera, especially in fall and winter. It’s been like my own private wilderness in which I’ve scouted for cardinals (successfully) and deer (unsuccessfully). My husband and I were sitting out on this balcony just the other night and saw a couple deer coming out of that wilderness, so we know they’re back there. They like to come out at night and feast on our hostas and caladium, but we’ve never caught them at it.
I watched as an ambulance went racing by me one way and then after a bit, racing past going the other way. Lord, have mercy.
Every once in a while, the cicadas chime in as competition to the machines. I love their brassy contribution – it always speaks so strongly of the season. It’s as if each cicada is buzzing with the news: “fall is coming, fall is coming, fall is coming…”
I am reminded of one of Mary Oliver’s more well-known lines of poetry:
“It is a serious thing just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in this broken world.”
That wraps up the Monday Meanderings and Musings of Lynniebeemuseoday.
I’ll probably delete this after I find out what will be the fate of my little wilderness across the street.
Lynniebeemuseoday 