(Kahlil Gibran)
Lost Lake, Oregon
my countenance brittle withered and drawn
know that my soul seeks the song of the waters
my aching heart needs be soothed in their arms
so deliver me to snow-melt high-mountain waters
sweep me away in their crystal’d blue streams
tumble me joyous in their rolling white rapids
sail me over a waterfall grand as my dreams
now I’ve grown weary — my leave I will take
to rest in the peace of a deep mountain lake
Willamette Falls, Oregon
rob kistner © 2020
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I really love this… to find peace in nature at the end in a lake… (in my case I see a river ending in the sea)
Thank you Bjorn. I can see your perspective. I have a particular lake, high in an Oregon old growth forest, near the timber line of the Cascade Mountains, where I have asked that my ashes to be spread. It is where I find incredible peace. I have written poems about my many hikes to this area.
Oh rob this is such a delight! I love everything about it! Though I don’t know your lake, I’ve been to the Eugene area a few times Oregon is so wonderful
Thank you Eric! 🙂 It is Lost Lake Oregon, a gorgeous crystal pure high-mountain lake, in the midst of the Cascade Mountain old growth forest there.
45.488900 Latitude // -121.820615 Longitude
I really love the poignancy of this poem, Rob especially the image; “sweep me away in their crystal’d blue streams/tumble me joyous in their rolling white rapids.” 🙂
Thank you Sanaa… 🙂 Water, especially water in motion, stirs my soul.
Wow, wow, wow!
^^THIS was my reaction to reading and hearing this piece. It is encompassed with grief, solemnity, and mourning. Perhaps finding true rest after passing. I love how it connects with nature with the waters and the lake. How beautiful and moving!
Thank you Lucy, I greatly appreciate your kind words! 🙂 Mixed in the pure crystal clear waters of Lost Lake Oregon, on Mt. Hood, high in the Cascades — this is where I hope to find my final rest.
First time hearing this sweet Jimi tune. Sounds good in the headphones. I like the metaphor here, Rob. I can also see where this would be a perfect place to rest.
This tune still to this day, floats up into my mind and I find myself singing it, with chills running up and down my spine. It opens side 2 on the “Are You Experienced” vinyl album.
First time I heard this song was in 1967. I was visiting with a girl I just met at Antioch College, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. My rock band had just played a gig there. She and I were about to hike through Glen Helen Nature Reserve. I was blissed out on shrooms. The experience was sacred. The hike got delayed for about 45 minutes… 😉
If all promises are kept Lisa, my ashes will be forever interred in Lost Lake Oregon, mixed with the waters of this gorgeous lake, in the midst of the Cascade Mountain old growth there.
45.488900 Latitude // -121.820615 Longitude
This is lovely, Rob. There’s a sense of peace in it.
I just saw you and Björn used the same word, peace. ????
Perhaps it’s what we are both searching for Merril? I’m sure we are sll searching for it…
That’s a good place to be. I always find water healing.
Water is exhilarating Kerfe… and very very wet… 😉
Deliver – Sweep – Tumble – Sail
Who ca resist the water’s call, eh, Rob?
Your work always blows me away & I feel lucky to be able to hear you read. Looking forward to next OLN Live. Be well ’til then, Sir
Thank you Ron, you are always most kind my friend. I love water, I am made mostly of it… 🙂 …60-70 % they say. My birth sign is Aquarius, and while that likely means nothing at all, I loved the 60’s … they where my “age” …it is the dawning of…
This poem was especially beautiful hearing it aloud earlier today. the water is such a wonderful topic.
Glad you enjoyed it Jenna!
What an amazing treat, watching you read …. my request as well, in the Cascades shall my ashes rest.
Amen Helen… 🙂
This is very moving, as was your reading, Rob.
Thank you Ken. I enjoy sharing poetry with this group, and I am glad you are a part us.
I love the gentle rhyme scheme and the flow of your words like a stream over a river bed. A pleasure to hear you read, Rob.
Ingrid. You are always kind to me and I appreciate it. I love to write poetry and it is wonderful to have my work genuinely received and respected by someone — I believe you do both… thank you.
Right, I agree, this has a beautiful incantatory sound and rhythm. Well done Rob!
Thank you so much Lona… 🙂
I so enjoyed your reading of this lyrical, rippling, flowing poem, Rob! The vowel sounds add to the already beautiful words.
So glad you enjoyed it Kim, and thank you… 🙂
Too sweet, brother. My wife and I have prepaid for our cremations. Our daughters will take a road trip across the Southwest, dropping a pinch in the Grand Canyon, Zion, Monument Valley, Arches national park, Devil’s Tower, and a couple other places.
Love the southwest. Lived in Tucson for a while. My wife snd I were invited artists ag the Secona AZ juried art festival a number of times. We really love the red rock Sedona area.
tumble me joyous in their rolling white rapids
sail me over a waterfall grand as my dreams
To be extended all the goodness in life before the final countdown. A very fair expectation. Love this, Rob!
Hank
Le Grande Adieu! Hank… 🙂
Not a bad choice! That BLUE water in the Clear Lake, Oregon video – it beats being buried in the dirty ground I’d say. It was good hearing your voice and seeing your face on the video yesterday! This poem is lovely read aloud, so peaceful! I may give it a go next time. The poems are so tranquil and uplifting this week!
Thank you Tricia. I needed to soar a bit! It would be great to hearyou read!! 🙂