Sandy Long
The natural world inspires wonder, scientific understanding, and artistic interpretation of natural encounters. These elements combined to make the Upper Delaware BioBlitz, held June 28 and 29 at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center in Boyds Mills, Pa., a huge success again. A team of scientists shared their findings about life forms identified on the site with attendees, who enjoyed walks, talks, workshops, musical entertainment, and more.
The Art of Awareness walk I led took place in a light rain, but participants focused on the beautiful delicacy of the rainy landscape and its soothing effect on the senses, taking photos and jotting down notes and sketches in pocket-sized field journals.The rain took center stage in a post-walk exercise, with several participants collaboratively creating the following poem, inspired by their shared experience:
I remember
Splashing, flapping, it doesn’t matter…
We all feel the warmth of the earth and ourselves,
All is good!
Walk along the river
And intertwine
Tree roots provide shelter
There is something mystical in between.
Inspiration and excitement
It’s like a new day and we start again.
The sound of branches drooping and plummeting
Beautiful raspberry root.
First a robin, then thirteen flies, then berries
Leaves don’t fall on the sidewalk.
The sweet air is filled with clear rain, yet somehow the stream
It stays the same, it doesn’t get faster or stronger, and it doesn’t change shape.
The slugs roam and the river wakes up.
The air sticks to your skin after it rains
Rain brings good things
While standing under the safe, look around you.
Tree branch.
Co-composers are Kathleen Christie, Tamara D’Antoni, Lily Head, Tracey de Martini, Twila McDonnel, Nedelya Simeonova and Heather L. Montgomery.
keyword
The story of the river,
ingenious,
side,
Science,
Poetry,
Upper Delaware BioBlitz,
Highlights Foundation Retreat Center
