Tree Of Life

Seems short while past

  I cherished autumn’s throes.

Now winter’s chill

  Gnaws at body and soul,

Floats intense qualms,

  Well-known killers of dreams,

Weaves silent threads,

  Cold-as-death webs in shadows;

Until hope’s showers

  Of light and warm embrace

Make my heart whole.

  Rejoice, I thrive once more.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Hope and growth are interconnected. Hope provides the vision and growth the capacity to achieve it. When I meander through forest leaf litter on the 1st day of the year 2026, hope springs eternal. The kaleidoscope of leaves and coarse woody debris speak volumes about growth, hope, beauty of individual differences and perpetual renewal on the tree of life.

Hope Springs Eternal

Forest floor near Mary Holmes Park, Pittsboro NC

Winter's Artful Reign

Jack Frost holds dear his artful reign,

Where fragile sun lulls raw landscape;

Yet, tell-tale heart filled with disdain

Cries havoc, there is no escape.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Our winter has been one of extremes, with sparse precipitation and a roller-coaster ride of temperatures ranging from the teens to seventies Fahrenheit. A lingering feeling, that Old Man Winter has not yet brought the full force of his arctic minions to bear, persists. Thoughts of snow, sleet and frigid airs bring to mind both visions of exhilarating winter fun, as well as trepidations.

Winter's Artful Reign

Daybreak at Cooper's Cove on Jordan Lake NC

Hope, The Soul's Anchor

Moral decay is not a harmless weed,

Because it thrives in fields sustained by greed;

Where homeland cliques abide dens of corruption—

A shrewd means of political seduction.

Such betrayal makes heart and spirit bleed

And is by any measure a misdeed,

Designed by foul shadows to cause disruption

And pave roads to our way of life’s destruction.

Shun vile ash heaps of history…agreed?

Embrace the ethos of our Nation’s creed.

Moral quagmires are fleeting obstructions,

‘Cause hope renews life’s theatrical productions!

Come, righteous of heart—by divine grace blest—

Cherish wellsprings of hope within your breast.

When you’re storm-tossed, hope navigates unrest

And serves as soul’s anchor, on top of life vest.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Hope is at the very heart of Christmas—a powerful, unwavering force that shapes beliefs, expectations, strength to persevere and also anchors our essence to positive future possibilities in times of uncertainty on the spiral of life.

For Christians, Jesus is the ultimate source and embodiment of hope. On January 7th, Serbian Orthodox faithful celebrate His birth…Мир Божији, Христос Се Роди…Mir Božiji, Hristos Se Rodi…May God Bring You Peace, Christ Is Born…

Hope, The Soul's Anchor

Shadowman in woodlands near Mary Holmes Park, Pittsboro NC

Whispers At The Turning Of The Year

For as long as I can remember, New Year’s Day has been a time to let the energy and symbolism of a fresh start intentionally influence my mindset and establish the tone for the year ahead.

Widespread traditions for bringing good fortune, avoiding bad luck, ensuring good health and prosperity exist within many cultures. They invite positivity into our lives. One such tradition, passed on by my father, is to seize the day by waking at first light's glint on pearls of dew and in the day's activities include an excursion into the natural world. The tradition endures. I followed in my father’s footsteps, at my heart’s behest. 

I confidently look forward to a year of inspiration and insights into the human condition etched onto the never-ending canvas of creation.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Self-Portrait 01-01-2026

(colorized monochrome photo)

Wages Of Avarice

Beware, avarice thrives

  In worldly abyss,

Breeds vile corruption

  And consumes goodness,

Keeps soul from connecting

  With divine bliss—

You reap what you sow...

  Spiritual illness.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Spiritual Bliss

Lone fisherman at daybreak on Jordan Lake NC

Heart's Ease

Heart craves inner peace

Nature’s touch restores heart’s ease

Peace flows eternal

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Heart's Ease

Mother and children frolic on Cooper's Cove beach at Jordan Lake NC

New Beginnings

Calendar’s turn lays bare blank canvas,

Last year’s new beginning has run its course,

Let mind aspire, let heart enchants us

And encourage action without remorse.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

In a mindful, self-aware life rooted in action true to righteous values and beliefs—unburdened by external pressures and expectations—remorse is unnecessary.

In Search Of New Beginnings

Hikers at Cooper's Cove on Seaforth Peninsula, Jordan Lake NC

Nature's Quaternity

The elements of earth, air, fire and water—I recently experienced in a Jordan Lake shoreline extravaganza of reality—are a symphony of natural forces that culminates in a celebratory, dance-infused choreography of sand, wind, sunlight and water.

In mind’s eye the Blue Danube Waltz, composed by Johann Strauss 158 years ago, is a fitting accompaniment. The iconic musical motifs drift gently across lake waters on unusually mellow and warm mid-winter breezes.

© Ilija Lukić 2025

Nature's Quaternity

Wind-driven water ripples on Seaforth Peninsula spit of Jordan Lake NC

Shared Language

Stand firm my esteemed brethren

  Of our blessed and righteous land,

Cherish our homeland’s language

  Akin your immortal soul;

Because, without said shared tongue

  Vital ties that bind disband—

As collective purpose fades,

  Destiny turns on dice roll.

© Ilija Lukić 2025

Language shapes thought and social interactions. It helps us define and frame our identity as individuals and a nation. It’s the perfect medium to capture mindful values that shape culture and build communities. Language impacts the minutia of daily life, as well as our core sense of belonging—a fundamental part of human essence wired into our nature. Language helps us feel accepted, valued and at home in relationships.

Righteous Indignation

Shadowman on Cooper's Cove shoreline at Jordan Lake NC

Life - A Motley Canvas

Set not aside your inner child,

Your sense of wonder born of faith,

Without restraint, heart reconciled

'Bout fear of real and conceived wraith.

’Cause it’s life’s past, hidden ages,

Joy and fear abreast unmet needs

That shape your story, life’s pages,

Even when bogged down in the weeds. 

 

Let bittersweet tears of heart beguiled

By siren call, shadows of gold,

Flow triumphant when heart gone wild

Guides inner child ‘cross new threshold.

Life’s a blank canvas, not a stalemate,

Chime in boldly, ere it’s too late.

© Ilija Lukić 2025

Joyful Touchstones

Memorabilia in studio on Cobble Ridge, Pittsboro NC

Solstice Rhythms

Great wheel turns anew

Winter shadows yield to light

Sunlit soul soars high

© Ilija Lukić 2025

When celestial and earthly rhythms align, introspection navigates universal truths—timeless, undeniable and foundational understanding of the human condition and physical world.

Sunlit Soul Soars High

Ebenezer Church Point on Jordan Lake NC

Winter Solstice Rumination

Long winter nights fraught with barren darkness

Test depths of resolve ‘round hearth fire night.

Shelve discontent, enjoy winter’s harness,

Till hushed twilight cedes dominion to light.

© Ilija Lukić 2025

On the shortest day of the year, a walk-about at Jordan Lake’s rock-strewn, eastern shore replenishes wells of wisdom and creative inspiration. Wrack lines of seagull molt feathers at the rugged water’s edge are akin angel down, whispers of divine music.

The contrast between the immovable and the buoyant speaks to the duality of the solstice—a time of balance between opposites. My imagination soars as my heart absorbs the symphony of ethereal gifts. It’s a potent moment to align with universal truths and rhythms.

Ethereal Symphony

Ebenezer Church Point on Jordan Lake NC

Poor Man's Weathervanes

Countless ring-billed seagulls overwinter at Jordan Lake NC. The mostly ice free, shallow waters are rich fishing grounds and the surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities to scavenge and forage. 

At daybreak they congregate on deserted beaches to socialize, preen and soak up gentle celestial fires kissing the world awake with a symphony of warmth and light. A sunbath at dawn chases away night chills and coaxes life into the winged marauders.

There is something mesmerizing about a vast flock of white plumage facing and enjoying the music of celestial spheres—like an array of weathervanes turned into the breeze—squawking, forecasting warm embraces of longer days. After all, the winter solstice is just days away.

© Ilija Lukić 2025

Poor Man's Weathervane

Ring-billed gulls at Jordan Lake NC

Winter Maker Moon

On December 5th the last full Moon of this year—a super Moon—lights up celestial and Earth realms. Named the Winter Maker Moon by the Abenaki tribes indigenous to Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Quebec, the storied orb validates native American lore. After daytime highs in the mid-30s, temperatures plummet below the freezing mark after sundown. Crystal clear night skies amplify its mythos. I make time for a look into our back yard and clear as day spot two deer grazing. 

Here’s a short compilation of other monikers for this celestial phenomenon used by native Americans tribes in by-gone days: Long Night Moon (Mohican), Cold Moon (Mohawk), Hoar Frost Moon (Cree), Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree), Moon Of The Popping Trees (Ogalala), Snow Moon (Cherokee), Mid-Winter Moon (Ojibwa). 

© Ilija Lukic 2025

Winter Maker Moon

Ebenezer Church Point on Jordan Lake NC

Life's Eventide

Lifelong toil and troubles sap hearts and minds,
Then winter’s brume haunts dying of their light, 
Until divine twilight man's heart unwinds,
'Cause heaven’s light spills hope, to soul’s delight.

© Ilija Lukić 2025

A moment of reflection always draws me closer to God by acknowledging His grace and faithfulness in providing divine help in times of troubles and especially transitional periods of my journey—such as my life’s eventide.

Ebenezer Eventide

Ebenezer Church Point on Jordan Lake NC

Hope Is A Lifeline

Hope dawns when light triumphs over darkness

And highlights vile chaos born of shadows,

Cast by evildoers that would harm us,

By tethering your soul with their dark throes.

© Ilija Lukić 2025

“Tis the season of hope, a lifeline and anchor for the soul rooted in faith. Hope is not wishful thinking. It’s an active, looking-forward and striving-for-good-things process that blends desire with purposeful action. St Nicholas of Myra embodies the spiritual roots of hope and selfless generosity…historically continued by Santa Claus, as a potent symbol of hope and goodwill.

Beacon Of Hope And Goodwill

Detail from larger oil painting by local artist Frye

Unflappable

Mother Nature huffed a laugh at daylight,

After she flooded lake shoreline acres—

Expecting protest, clamor and much plight—

Yet spied a heron and trees in hip waders.

© Ilija Lukić 2025

Does Mother Nature ever get annoyed, surprised or exasperated, when she unleashes all manner of furies across creation; yet, the Earth and her denizens tenaciously just roll with the punches? Unlikely, since her ascribed furies are driven by physical laws of the universe. Personifying them helps humankind cope with challenges beyond our control.

In life’s journey we must strive to become an unruffled person, who lives mindfully in the moment and endeavors to know oneself. Pause before reacting to challenges and accept what you cannot change, then, adapt and overcome. Most importantly, cultivate spiritual inner peace—become unflappable.

Unflappable Serenity

Great Blue Heron on Seaforth Peninsula at Jordan Lake NC