thick roots revisited
by Elouise
thick roots tangled knots
barely hanging onto bank
drink deep waters
This haiku was my third post to this blog, published on 3 January 2014. It still haunts me, though not in the same way.
I first saw these roots when D and I were walking with our daughter and her husband through Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon. I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The tangled roots were beautiful and foreboding.
A bit like blogging, which I’ve experienced as a formidable venture into unknown territory. Like being born and surviving. Sometimes against all odds.
Writing lets my exposed roots show, often whether I realize they’re showing or not. Writing also stakes my claim to a tiny, precarious plot of land that sits open, vulnerable and visible to passersby.
I’ve traveled a long way since my early posts, yet my roots are still my roots. Bare, and barely hanging onto precious ground that’s stronger, deeper, and more nourishing than I could have imagined.
Deep waters aren’t visible, and they don’t untangle all the knots in my life. Sometimes I wonder whether they’re drying up.
Yet even in dire circumstances, I discover more than enough to get me through each day. Sometimes with tears of sorrow and disbelief. More often with joy and sheer gratitude for the privilege of being human. Able to thrive in the forest next to redwood giants, with miniscule ferns growing around and from my feet.
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 26 April 2017
Photo credit: DAFraser, October 2012, Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon
Response to WordPress Daily Prompt: Roots
“Spring thaw
A coughing fit
Overwhelms
The puppeteer”
My favourite Haiku.
The Lord bless you.
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Love it! 😊
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“More than enough” is one of the best “lines” you gave to us as a seminary community, and to me personally. I always smile when I see it, and I always am grateful to you when I use it…
🙂
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😊💕💜
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love, love love this E ❤ ❤ such wise knowing words that have so much depth, just like your roots….I don't mind when my "roots" are showing these days, I think as I age, I begin to not care so much about the critics, I just embrace those who exude love and understanding…it's enough most days to get me by ❤ and people like you who make this "blogville" feel like home ❤
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Kim, I agree and totally understand. I never thought it would turn out like this. As you put it, it’s a ‘blogville’ that feels like home. I’m happy to wear my exposed roots proudly, and take strength from those who understand what it means to be human. 🙂
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💕💜😊 blogville is an awesome place, filled with good souls😇🌺💐🌸
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They’re beautiful in an ugly sort of way if you know what I mean.
Catching up time, I’ve been feeling proper poorly. 😦
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What a wonderful phrase — ‘feeling proper poorly.’ 😦 Yes, I know what you mean–all tangled and knotted yet keeping that little tree alive. Like my life. Love it the way it is–beautiful/ugly shadows/survivor! Lots of us out there, I think. Thanks for the comment, and I hope this finds you in at least a moment of feeling proper goodly. 🙂
Elouise
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