An untamed, saffron brushstroke sets ablaze

Hushed harmonies of shadowless silence

In autumn woodlands veiled in misty haze–

Quiet courage in life’s mists…self-reliance.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

My homage to an enduring clan within the Osage Nation social structure—known by the moniker Moh-sho-tsa-moie or Travelers in the Mist—tasked with the sacred responsibility of leadership and guidance, when the tribe faces uncertainty during ventures into unfamiliar realms or suffers tumultuous change.

Quiet Courage

Woodlands behind our home Cobble Ridge in Pittsboro NC

Sacred Transience

Life’s journey weaves tapestries with heartstrings—

Thread spun of woes and days lived in clover.

By grace they ease my soul’s earthly stopover,

Until called to come home…on angel wings.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

When I step mindfully out of living on autopilot, it’s easier to embrace the bittersweet awareness that everything changes, passes and eventually comes to an end. Joy fades, grief passes, human connections come and go, flesh and bone age—nothing stays the same.

With new found clarity I commit body and soul to cherish the ordinary, temporary moments in life, the heartstrings—like a fiery sunset, first love, a golden autumn morning, a meaningful conversation, a child’s laughter or delicate spray of springtide cherry blossoms; but also, empathy for people suffering, compassion, soul-crushing heartbreak and betrayal.

The scarcity of time makes heartstrings precious and skyrockets their value. It’s their impermanence that makes life profoundly meaningful, sacred and beautiful.

Sacred Transience

Lower Haw River Natural Area Trail near Bynum, North Carolina

Sylvan Whispers

I’ve come to understand and see,

     That I am not unlike a tree.

A seedling borne on springtide breeze

     Sprouts tall with heart and soul at ease.

Root-bound till love my heart unbinds;

     ‘Neath summer skies said love spellbinds.

Then…hushed, foggy autumn mornings

     With woods ablaze nurture yearnings

For winter’s peace in blessed silence—

     Sacred respite…divine alliance.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Sylvan Whispers

On the Lower Haw River Natural Area Trail near Bynum, North Carolina

Internal True North

When change rides roughshod in a bold onrush,

Drink not from the well of anguish and woes,

Embrace the whirlwind, the chaos and rush,

Navigate change with your soul's compass rose.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Seaforth Pond Trail

Early autumn in shoreline woodlands at Jordan Lake, North Carolina

Panglossian Wellspring

Ingrained in our shared humanity is the trait to see the beauty of the natural world as an abundant, inexhaustible fountain of optimism and cheerfulness.

One could argue that such blind positivity—to mindfully set aside the harsh realities and bad news pervasive in modern life—is absurd or delusional and not good for the heart and soul. Yet, said small moments that subscribe to the notion of “God’s in His Heaven, all’s right with the world” more often than not serve to process emotions like pain and grief. Such moments will build genuine resilience, emotional depth and connection to those nearest and dearest to you and society as a whole.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Panglossian Wellspring

On the Lower Haw River Natural Area Trail near Bynum, North Carolina

Stepping Stones

Why does my soul yearn

     For halcyon days of yore,

While tell-tale heart soars

     In untold dreams of morrows?

‘Cause said stepping stones

     Frame rhythms of life’s dance floor

That help weather tides

     Of life’s unsparing sorrows.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Aurora - Goddess of the Dawn

Jordan Lake dawning on the first day of autumn

High Hopes

The incredible botanical tapestry that blankets the shortgrass prairie and arid lands of the Llano Estacado Plateau in September always leaves me in awe. It’s age-old symphony of warm hues and exotic aromas of sage and earth urges senses to escape the daily grind and submit heart and soul to ethereal realms of the universe.

Golden crescendos of broom snakeweed embrace withered stalks of yucca campaniles. Their quiet chatter filled with nostalgic whispers of flowered spring heydays and summer monsoons buoys the afternoon hush. Even the rhythmic squeaking and clanking of sails on scattered stock tank windmills, driven by the endless plainsong of prairie winds, seems to add a measure of tranquility.

Once again, the autumnal spoke on the wheel of life marks the passage of time on the Staked Plains of New Mexico. For time immemorial the encouraging extravaganza of high plains flora—its last hurrah of summer splendor—prepares the tablelands and its denizens for winter slumber amidst unfailing covenants and high hopes for a springtide resurrection of life.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

High Hopes

Llano Estacado prairie near Clovis, New Mexico, c. 2012

Life Unburdened

When hopes, needs and quandaries trouble your mind,

     Humbly persist, seek spiritual truths;

Knock and doors to divine grace will open

     And reveal an untold realm of existence.

© Ilija Lukic 2026

Knock And The Door Will Be Opened

Catholic Chapel on Ft. Stanton, New Mexico c. 2014

Peace Of Mind

Hold dear...hopes and dreams that dwell in your hearts

And embrace milestones blessed by divine grace,

For said connection buoys your soul’s ramparts—

Keeps hope afloat amidst lifelong rat race.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Llano Cast Away

Abandoned homestead near Broadview, New Mexico c. 2014

Salida Del Sol

A September sunrise on the Llano Estacado Plateau near the High Plains town of Clovis—on the border of the Texas Panhandle and eastern reaches of the Land of Enchantment—never fails to inspire reflection. At 4,280 feet above sea level, the cool morning ambiance with humidity in the 20s and air temperatures in the 60s belies the expected, torrid afternoon highs in the 90s.

I have a spiritual connection to and deep affection for New Mexico’s cactus-strewn prairies, boundless horizons that beckon travelers on treks across sweeping arid lands, mystical mesas and snow-capped mountains, and, most importantly the vibrant and indomitable people whose character was forged by storied and celebrated traditions built upon foundations of indigenous cultures and European ancestral legacies…bury my heart in New Mexico.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Salida Del Sol

East of Clovis, New Mexico

A Renewal Of Grace

When seas of life rage and animosity reigns, don’t fight hate with hate. Protect your inner peace and break the cycle—allow your heart to dwell on kindness.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Allow Your Heart To Dwell On Kindness

Plains Yucca (yucca glauca) in late August near Clovis NM, c. 2012

Restless Haven

Rain-soaked prairie winds born of cheeky sass

Find harbor among chainlink cactus spines,

Weary of sun-drenched dance ‘cross seas of grass

And restless chases of far-flung skylines.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Sodden Trail

Monsoonal summer rains on Llano Estacado Plateau near Clovis NM, c. 2012

Partners

Calf roping in rodeos is a partnership between a well-trained horse and rugged wrangler. It’s not a rough stock event like bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding. It’s a race against the clock.

Before each competitive go-round the cowboy takes time to check and ready specialized tack and a 25-foot lariat. The saddle has a low, wide horn with forward-hung stirrup to help with quick dismounts. A neck rope draped loosely across the horse’s head and neck will keep the horse facing the calf once the cowboy dismounts. Bell boots protect the horse’s hooves and heels. The short piece of rope tucked securely in the roper’s belt awaits action. Once in the arena he will use this piggin’ string to tie three of the calf’s legs. A final half-hitch knot—hooey in rodeo parlance—secures the legs, which signals completion of the run and stops the clock. 

Albeit overwhelmed by the din of a raucous Pioneer Days Rodeo crowd in Clovis, New Mexico, spoken and unspoken words of encouragement between said partners linger on whispers of hot afternoon winds.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Partners

Pioneer Days Rodeo in Clovis, New Mexico, c.2008

Legend Of Multnomah Falls

Indigenous cultures of Oregon, like the Hood River Wasco and Chinook, have long revered the Multnomah Falls gorge and cascading waters as a place of spiritual power. In oral traditions the sacred waters and mists embody the spirit of a young native woman, whose prophesied sacrificial leap from the crest of the sheer cliff on her wedding day saves friends, family and tribe from a gruesome plague. Her grief-stricken father entreats his spirit guide Yul-mah, acquired on a vision quest, to intercede with sky spirits and ask for a sign honoring her sacrifice. Mystically, daylong somber and mist-laden skies opened in the golden hour at sunset and gave us Multnomah Falls—a breathtaking refuge.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

The Sky Opened And Gave Us Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Summertide Rhythms

Starlit skies invite fond tree frog chorus,

While fireflies drift on sultry night airs,

Till rolling thunder in skies above us

Quiets halcyon summer-night affairs.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Halcyon Tempest

Storm-tossed pine straw on paved path in Mary Holmes Park, Pittsboro NC

Heart Of The Universe

A sense of wonder is the cornerstone of wisdom.

Some years ago my daughters, wife and I hike the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon. We pause in awe at each cascade, enraptured by the soul-stirring quietude of plunging water.

My younger daughter, an avid and creative photographer, captures one such moment where my imagination takes flight—an image worth a thousand words. It is a moment where my curiosity soars and mind opens with a humble desire to understand the depths of the universe and profound mysteries of Creation.

As I look back and recapture the feeling at said milestone in my life-long journey of self-discovery, I wholeheartedly reaffirm my enduring resolve never to lose my sense of wonder—the key that unlocks a sublime compass, which guides my heart and soul’s quest for meaning in life towards the heart of the universe.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Heart Of The Universe

On the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon (photo by Lea Ciceraro)

Inconstant Moon

Thunder Moon reigns mid Dog Days of Summer,

Stirs dark winds of fate to push me astray,

Yet, sways me to follow my heart’s drummer,

While Dog Star in night skies shows hallowed way.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Inconstant Moon

Waning gibbous stage a day or two after July's full Moon aka Thunder or Buck Moon

In Search Of Earth's Wild Rhythms

An afternoon hike through Oregon woodlands takes me to the bouldered shoreline of a shallow lake formed by human touch near the head waters of Mud Creek, a tributary of the Salmon River. Sublime quietude fills the air. Across the distant skyline, the regal mask of Mount Hood defined by glacial ice belies the quiet giant’s fiery past.

Late afternoon sunlight, whispers of clouds and ethereal vapors across densely wooded foothills add to the poetry written by the silvered countenance of Trillium Lake. My spirit soars. My imagination takes flight on lively winds that descend from the ice-clad slopes of the sleeping fire mountain to play with lake waters. My body reacts with brief shrivers in defiance of the crisp, yet refreshing breeze.

Out on the water, a lone fisherman’s prayer enjoins the wind-driven wavelets to abet his angling exploits. In mind’s eye, I appreciate his sincere whispers of endearment—albeit clad in ulterior motives—to denizens of the silvery realm.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Earth's Wild Rhythms

Trillium Lake near Mt Hood, Oregon

Trillium Lake Soliloquy

Hark, sleeping fire mountain rouse my heart,

Cause contemplation, pensive heart to soar,

Till inward glimpse upsets life’s apple cart

And spills uncharted wisdom at heart’s door.

© Ilija Lukić 25

Soaring Soliloquy

Trillium Lake and Mt Hood, Oregon c.2005

Sanctuary Of Sustenance

In the aftermath of an hellacious late-summer deluge, a decades-old and weatherbeaten barn once again proves worthy of praise as a sanctuary for bounties harvested with relentless toil and unyielding faith in the soil of the Llano Estacado Plateau—a fitting monument to the grit and perseverance of intrepid farmers on said tablelands north of Clovis, New Mexico.

© Ilija Lukić 2026

Life After The Deluge

Barn at N Prince St and Curry County Rd 14, on Northside of Clovis NM c. 2006