New moons and Andromeda..I havent looked to the heavens with
binoculars nor captured the winking glow of the "fire bugs" in ages.
Only once during a trip in the evening on the bike down along the
creek paths did I see them again in the city.. But I remember them
well at the edge of our lawn near the feilds on the hill.. They frightened
me as a young child..Their magic overpowering then for me. It was
only when I became older did I venture out and appreciate their
beauty and unique abilities as an insect.

I was out the other night in the woods with the family dog to see if it
was as I remembered as a child from down my way.. Nothing has
changed.. the moon shinning through the trees brought forth
much illusion and magic still. Every so often I love to look at
the pictures from the orbiting space telescope or our planets to remind
me that the earth has its own special qaulities dear to us.

Thank You!

and when I took our Shar Pei for the walk up the trails It was nice
I took a flashlight too though and we made our way in the heat
through the trees up the little escarpment.. We could see through
the feilds and trees there small brush the fires the people had
in the cedar groves for their privacy.. and up on the hill I could
hear the college kids cheering some sport on or another and
there were other people out too past daylight in the moonlight
with their dogs on the trails.. They walk down and looking at the city
lights through the hydro right of way on the trail was enchanting
and the boats on the lake viewed from up there across the lake
was exciting!!

Thank You

My mom cared for the hospital people and went to the Doctor and Nurses parties
int the seventies which was what people did full time then..Not like now..
different times.. They went through the depression and lost a lot of family and
friends in the World War Two times when they were teens. The raised us with
principles and ideals and to be aware of the roadlife rather then just look down
on people and be smug about status. They had a kind of vision they bestowed upon
us the best they could and gave us what they didnt have as kids either... When I
am out I am aware of what is going on from all angles if I can.. In the woods I
remember the bears I heard but never saw...the signs of the animals i their hood
their territy just like If I was to walk through someones complex.. someones territory..

unlike people who bang drums...we belonged to an elite cadre of society
I became loud later on..had to drive people back..Now I have to be quiet again to
listen and see whats going on..whats out there..
the balance and respect
that is needed

My birth father was a guide too for the very very wealthy tourists on Georgian Bay
and he was a small boat pilot too for work on the bay. I never learned half
of what they devoted their time too

But I was called a "traveller" by the true travellers and was grateful for this honor
You took me back Barbara with your write.. the magic of it!!

Thank You

city gardens the city trees
five minutes about a block of turns and walking and Im
at the trails.. not wild ones but just a stretch of land that
is not developed..roads and homes all about...but quiet
enough to enjoy.. Our city puts in much money in gardening
creating functioning places for families

I grew up with mostly whites..I think maybe there was
maybe twenty natives about then To the whole populace
surrounding.. In grade school and high school there was
the usual amount that insisted in putting me down for just
being native.. A cheap cop out and I had to put them in their
place and be done with it otherwise they never shut up about
it.. It went on and on.. The small towns were the hardest
They would wait when I had my baby and full grocery cart
cashing in the people ahead of me and then when I got to
them they would put up the NEXT CHECKOUT sign and
talk to their co workers like I didnt exist... coffee shops
etc.. some open hostility on the street..Nothing one can do
but to push back.. This city Im in now far from those days
is easier.. We have multiculturalism here big time
Many native peoples and from all lands here..
And even in my small town of Hunstville there are many
minorities now arriving and taking jobs.. The old ways
are moving away for them.... Sometimes I find people
thick and need a break and head down to the waterfront
or garden or hit the trails.. there are those there whom smile
and appreciate each other who make the effort to get out
and enjoy these wild public spots.

I'm glad you worked hard, that your parents understood the
need for protecting their family and had a decent working
relathionship with the management... I see the hard times
that Parts of America are going through.. the ones most
affected by the crush of things..

I knew people up here who worked on local farms where I
grew up.. sat with them at school. they didnt and still
dont indulge in going over if mommy and daddy did them
wrong or siblings got more attention then they.. they saw
nature up close..lived the labour.. I have european friends
too who come from hard hit areas there..Work ethics are
strong there in places..

I'm glad we have the friendship here at Neopoet
I have never been to the Southern States
but from independent trucker friends of mine they
describe its routes its feel its smells its ways..

Thank You again Barbara
Esker!