Dauntless Heart

Parting thoughts upon my sojourn of creative endeavors to Trillium Lake, Oregon—an enduring waypoint of natural beauty permeated by whispers of introspection left by past visitants.

Don’t ignore strokes of bad luck as before.
By choice cast off said misfortunes resolutely
Or their sly hindrance will forevermore
Keep even dauntless heart down doggedly.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Rocky Serenity

(Trillium Lake near Mt Hood)

Finding Light

In times of mood swings—

Intense ups and downs—

Heed inborn sixth sense,

Which cautions blue heart

That dearth of God’s light

Leads to distressed soul.

Make haste, seek and ye shall find
Dear to your heart peace of mind.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Finding God's Light

(Mid-winter on Jordan Lake, North Carolina)

Naked Truth

Much like a holly tree brightens the understory of Carolina hardwood forests in winter, give the nod to peace of mind, good fortune and happiness in defiance of frustration by life’s inevitable thorny patches. To this end, try not to dwell on ill will for this is the reward evil seeks. By choice allow your heart to dwell on kindness. This will surely open doors to an upbeat appreciation and pursuit of life, without constraints by the hand you’ve been dealt.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Naked Truth

(American Holly aka ilex opaca)

Disciples Of Light

A brisk day under sunlit skies follows night rains, which in their blustery wake leave sparkling, ephemeral rivulets rippling tamely through Carolina woodlands--the earthbound and celestial have become one.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Disciples Of Light

Swan Song

Now that cherished light dims more and more

And wearied heart for want of life force yearns

After blissful seasons on Elysian shore,

My swan song paves the way with bright nocturnes.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Cherished Light

(Wild Ginger aka asarum in woodland duff near Pittsboro, North Carolina)

Valentine's Day

Late afternoon shadows on my favorite woodland trail near our home add finishing touches to sentiments of affection for my extraordinary, kindhearted and dearly loved wife.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Be My Valentine...

Primordial Stardust

Primordial stardust rides beams of sunshine,

Lights up both woods and darksome frame of mind,

Powders said landscapes with touch of the divine

And enshrines all of Creation as entwined.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Primordial Stardust

Sanctuary

Modern way of life punishes clear mind

And drives spirit to crave sanctuary.

God’s bosom holds the key for humankind

Beside lake waters and tree statuary.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Sanctuary

(Seaforth Peninsula at Jordan Lake, North Carolina)

Finding Balance

When daily grind leans out of whack,

Open heart and soul, get cracking—

Balance hides in plain sight.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Finding Balance

Smothered Serenity

Mist veils lakeshore stroll,

Where Loon's wail haunts tranquility

And life slows, lost in time.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Smothered Serenity

Pillars Of Enlightenment

Could it be the self we know is a mirage

Built by thought, not through life experience.

Such comfort zone of naive camouflage,

In time, curbs enlightened life of consequence.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Pillars Of Enlightenment

Silent Eloquence

Many in our country are in the throes of near and sub-zero temperatures. Here in the Carolinas we gratefully bask in balmy daytime highs a hair's breadth above the freezing mark. Predictably, I fail to resist temptation for outdoor adventure. In a remote, wind-sheltered arm of our lake, Mother Nature mirrors my mood with landscapes laid out in silent eloquence. My heart soars, each beat a reverent sound of wonderment. 

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Silent Eloquence

Dancing With Misfortune

Marshland adjacent to Jordan Lake in its naturally calm and peaceful state invites untroubled moods into the human heart. When the lake floods during heavy rain events the lake level easily rises several feet. A telltale whisper of a waterline several feet up the trunks of saplings stands as silent witness to the perceived misfortune, albeit welcome in the natural order of the ecosystem.

People dread crushing, societal tides.
Though, as a rule most mortal hearts cope well
With chance and predictable misfortunes,
When sage forbearance kisses fears farewell.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Welcome Misfortune

(Marsh along Jordan Lake shore)

Götterdämmerung - Twilight Of The Gods

World realms burn once more

Water cannot quench said flames

Love redeems mankind

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Twilight Of The Gods

Finding Hygge

I am born in a fishing village nestled against the Baltic Sea in Northern Germany. Happy-go-lucky school days and chasing dreams fill my formative years to the brim. The backdrop to my odyssey is the City of Roses, Eutin, a 700-year-old town just down the road from the Danish border. Some of my fondest memories and lifelong habits grow out of Nordic cultural influences, such as norse sagas, outdoor adventures, making time to be with people you care about, relaxing in beautiful surroundings and making time to enjoy life's quieter, simpler pleasures. I’ve come to appreciate said way of life is at the heart of finding hygge and fosters feelings of wellness and contentment.

© Ilija Lukic 2023

Finding Hygge

Halcyon Days Of Yore

Lake mists at first light embrace boyish heart,

While game fish prepare for budding angler

Who’s eager for age-old pursuit to start— 

He’s after walleye, crappie and striper.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Halcyon Days Of Yore

(Jordan Lake near Pittsboro, North Carolina)