I know from what you speak, brother. The Southern Cross; the Westerly, the Northerly, and please God no Southerly now. It's Summer after all.
It ain't Summer here in Seattle, but I'll take it because family is here. 7:05 AM and if my window was open I would hear the constant - for real - drone of vehicles of every size, shape, purpose and intent rolling North or South on the I-5 FREEWAY. I'll take Highway 2 every time - and I'll see you in January.
I-5, the ghost of the coast!! It's I-10 that haunts my dreams (though the one cited above is just the Loop 101 on the Tempe/Mesa line.) There's affection in the numbers, I think. I don't miss the noise, but I can't quite hate it?? Safe travels man, see you on the other side!
That's really beautiful and evocative. If I get up during the night I often step outside to hear the sea - and from which direction I hear it. The sound doesn't always come from where it should! I might have to check out bird bedtime here tonight too.
Great post. Great habit to have. My nightly pop-out lasts as long as it takes me to drink a mug of hot water. Usually that water is cold by the time I've soaked up enough serenity, stars, peace and morepork song, to unwillingly extract myself from.
Love this, thanks! I learned to drink hot water in China, where it cures whatever ails you, including a cold apartment. Have lost the habit here a bit, must try it of an evening!
Glorious! I live high above the Shotover River and some nights I stand outside brushing my teeth and stop still because the river is with me babbling and gurgling right under my feet. Very special. Tried to write a poem about it once lol!
Thanks, Jane! Love the image. Not yet seen the Shotover myself. Lucky you are, to be in toothbrushing range. The poem's still there, y'know. It'll wait for you. When you write it, you gotta send me a copy!
Hey Dan, I wrote the river in my ear poem. It's an image file so don't know how to share it? Not that it's going to change your life or anything!! Happy New Year!
Ha will do! I’m above a flat reserve (not the canyons) where the river is wide and shallow and shore birds nest precariously at this time of year - Banded dotterels, terns, wrybill and black-billed gulls.
So very lovely. Still sighing deeply over 'Time curled in a circle'
In Bluff you can still (albeit barely) read the famous (in Aotearoa) Sterling Road AA sign at 11pm on the longest day. Long days in December still seem disconcerting
I absolutely love how open you are to it all. All of it. Gorgeous post, Dan
Aw thanks, Leah!! Glad you dig it!
Oh. My. I know that night, that stillness. You have written it down. Thank you.
Yeah, I just can't get past it. Don't want to. And you'll see it--hear it--or *not* hear it--again soon!
Watchman, what of the night?
Danggg that's a better title
I know from what you speak, brother. The Southern Cross; the Westerly, the Northerly, and please God no Southerly now. It's Summer after all.
It ain't Summer here in Seattle, but I'll take it because family is here. 7:05 AM and if my window was open I would hear the constant - for real - drone of vehicles of every size, shape, purpose and intent rolling North or South on the I-5 FREEWAY. I'll take Highway 2 every time - and I'll see you in January.
Tena koe, Mate ✊🙂
I-5, the ghost of the coast!! It's I-10 that haunts my dreams (though the one cited above is just the Loop 101 on the Tempe/Mesa line.) There's affection in the numbers, I think. I don't miss the noise, but I can't quite hate it?? Safe travels man, see you on the other side!
ASU has smashed Iowa State. The once-Pac12 is now dominating their new conferences. :)
That's really beautiful and evocative. If I get up during the night I often step outside to hear the sea - and from which direction I hear it. The sound doesn't always come from where it should! I might have to check out bird bedtime here tonight too.
Ah, ocean noise!! That's a whole other deal, of which I know zip. Haunting in all the right ways, I imagine!
Great post. Great habit to have. My nightly pop-out lasts as long as it takes me to drink a mug of hot water. Usually that water is cold by the time I've soaked up enough serenity, stars, peace and morepork song, to unwillingly extract myself from.
Love this, thanks! I learned to drink hot water in China, where it cures whatever ails you, including a cold apartment. Have lost the habit here a bit, must try it of an evening!
Yep. Beautiful.
Thanks! Love to y'all in winter!
With you on this one.
We'll start a whole substack vibe just for quiet nights at home. 'Yes, this'
So evocative.
Thanks, Caryl!
Great read as usual Dan. A poet may not care for reasons but i find many in your prose.
Thanks Max, that made my day! Whatever you find, you can keep, and let me know so I can catch em myself
Glorious! I live high above the Shotover River and some nights I stand outside brushing my teeth and stop still because the river is with me babbling and gurgling right under my feet. Very special. Tried to write a poem about it once lol!
Thanks, Jane! Love the image. Not yet seen the Shotover myself. Lucky you are, to be in toothbrushing range. The poem's still there, y'know. It'll wait for you. When you write it, you gotta send me a copy!
Hey Dan, I wrote the river in my ear poem. It's an image file so don't know how to share it? Not that it's going to change your life or anything!! Happy New Year!
Wonderful! Yes please. I'll send you a DM
Ha will do! I’m above a flat reserve (not the canyons) where the river is wide and shallow and shore birds nest precariously at this time of year - Banded dotterels, terns, wrybill and black-billed gulls.
So very lovely. Still sighing deeply over 'Time curled in a circle'
In Bluff you can still (albeit barely) read the famous (in Aotearoa) Sterling Road AA sign at 11pm on the longest day. Long days in December still seem disconcerting