The Gift of Evergreen

 

The Evergreen Wood - Salt Spring Island

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2011

Moments

peaceful moments

life-filled

senses heightened

moments.

I walk among these winter woods

of evergreen,

every green.

From western winds, a carpet laid

in pine and spruce and cedar 

with every footfall fresh.

Branches gathered

fingers stuck with pine sap scent

this air freshener

the real McCoy.

Intertwining perfect circles

still damp

with the whisper

of the first snow fallen.

Rose hips of red

Snowberry bunches

of winter white

all bound in birch

a ribbon found.

Nature's gift

a perfect lift

for spirits fading

running ragged

the season nears.

I hang this wreath

upon your door

The symbol, strength

The circle, friends

forevermore.

-Gillian Cornwall, November 26, 2016

Re-posted from the original, December 8, 2013

 Gowland Tod Provincial Park

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2016

Gowland Tod Provincial Park

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2016

The Rain Coast

 Rhododendron Spring - Victoria BC

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2007

I am re-posting this poem from June of 2014 as I am ardently awaiting the joys of Spring in the Pacific temperate rainforest: the colour, the wet explosion of life, as floral fireworks. The birdsong: an orchestral accompaniment to the perpetual gift that Nature provides in her capacity for giving life and sustenance. We must respect her, at the very least, we must respect her. I am grateful for the gift of life she gives - this heaven on earth. 

This poem is an ode to the great mother - giver of life. 

Every lick of colour

sopping springtime blooms

wet paint in every green

fills the canvas of my town

Splotching pinkest pinks

Camellia upon Camellia

the fair flower that leaps whole

to the grassy bed below

Rhododendrons grow as trees here

floral monsters in pastel

a million pink and purple tongues 

catching raindrops from the sky

Now I lay me down among you

on this verdant, spongy ground

raincoat and gumboot clad

wash me clean upon this land

-Gillian Cornwall, February 7, 2016

Originally posted, c. June 1, 2014

Brentwood Bay

Gillian Cornwall, c. April 2015

Renewal

As we walk through life, we encounter all manner of love. Love never disappears. As energy, love only changes shape. 

Each breath of love echoes through our hearts with each beat for as long as our journey continues. Know this and know that you are not alone. We are one world, one life and our hearts beat the rhythm of that song throughout time.

I hope this short poem reminds you of this today and that you feel the universal love, today and always.

For those of you in Nepal trying to recover from the earthquake and aftershocks, and those of you around the world, struggling to survive on little to nothing, please know that there are thousands of us around the globe who know of your plight and are sending resources (financial and physical), love and prayers to you. 

Things green
a place unseen
a home to lay your hat
and love.

Springtime Sunday
a bird song
a heart beat 
rhythm and a tune.

Now I understand 
the love that never left me
in each beat, we meet
as one.

Things green 
a place unseen 
a home to lay your hat
and love. 

-Gillian Cornwall, c. May 17, 2015

All images are the property of Gillian Cornwall

Please do what you can to help those recovering from the earthquake in Nepal. Until May 25, 2015 the Canadian government will match donations to the Nepal Region Earthquake Fund through Red Cross Canada.

Plenty

 The Treetops - Victoria, BC

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2011

two birds top the pines

alight on the day

they sway

survey

below 

beyond

where to from here?

they chirp, they cheer

the world bends an ear

awaiting a hint

in the event

that they know 

a damn thing

when they sing

they swing, splay, stay

fly away

this thing

this life

it's enough

it's just fine

not to know

it's okay

it's okay

a breath

a breeze

this heart

this mind

this bird

this day

Gillian Cornwall, c. March 9, 2014.

  

West Coast Sunset - Victoria, BC

Gillian Cornwall, c. 2012

Autumn Gold

 The University of Victoria

All photos c. Gillian Cornwall, 2012.

The emerald greens have faded

The trees turn out their gold

Summer earnings spent

bearing fruit

or shady dealings 

with strangers

The basswoods blush

to a flaming red

for soon they will stand bare

aquiver in the autumn wind

The morning holds a chill

a nudge of what's to come

Though fifty times I've seen the face of fall

surprise and awe in every one

-Gillian Cornwall, c.September, 2013.

Waves

 

Hulopo'e

G. Cornwall, c. December 2012

This is Not a Poem, It is a Series of Waves

I come to you with my self in my own hands 

like a clam shell.

I say, "Look, this is what I am."

and I open.

This is my language.

This is my culture.

This is my truth

in this moment.

This is my ability to speak with you

from my heart.

My fears,

my scars,

they are here too.

Touch them;

know this part of my terrain.

Read me like Braille

in your hands;

read the shapes I take.

Read my amorphous shapes.

Keep reading.

I am here.

I am changing.

I am able to be touched by you

and read again.

I am the story;

shifting like the dunes on the wind.

-Gillian Cornwall, 

c. 2008.

The Wave

Oil pastel on paper

c. Gillian Cornwall, 1988.

available for sale