Butterfly Effect

Ripples in life’s course mark waypoints in time,

Whispered by loud butterflies on the wing

Sailing on spring breezes likewise sublime—

Let’s not turn a blind eye to tempests they bring.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Butterfly Effect

Shadowed Inspiration

Our roller coaster ride of winter-like and balmy temperatures continues. Today sunlit skies and brisk northerly breezes dominate.

During an early afternoon hike down familiar woodland trails, I take to heart chasing my shadow through a soggy landscape. In the wake of overnight storms, I discover the shattered remains of a 100-year old Red Oak felled by winds. Its final struggle in defiance of gravity began in 2018, when Hurricane Florence ravaged our state and weakened its majestic stature. I pause and ponder its bittersweet ending, albeit new beginning on the circle of life.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Shadowed Inspiration

(Shadowman, self-portrait)

Freedom Of Expression

Spring blooms cheer plain talk

Plain talk gives free rein to truth

Truth foils thought police

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Freedom Of Expression

(Rush Daffodil aka narcissus jonquilla)

New Beginnings

Mind-blowing doldrums weigh on heart and soul,
Which yearn for fresh start brimming with passion.
To slake such misery and make spirit whole,
Tackle new walk of life in upbeat fashion.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

New Beginnings

(Gelsemium Sempervirens aka Carolina Jessamine)

Hell On Earth

Death rains from the skies
Save our souls…cries blameless child
Beast grins ear to ear

© Ilija Lukić 2023

I am saddened by the increasing occurrence of warfare perpetrated by those in power upon common people within nation states—especially innocents therein. Yet I am confident that innate human desire for peace will triumph. Said desire blooms in obedience to a higher calling, akin the lone dandelion standing in defiance of rain, sleet and temperatures near the freezing mark in glorious exultation of its divine purpose.

Let There Be Peace On Earth

(Taraxacum officionale aka Common Dandelion)

Whispers Of Spring

I awaken in the wee hours of morning, take a moment to rub sleep from eyes and stretch, make time for several minutes of mindful reflection about the day ahead, then open shuttered windows and eagerly take a peek outside. Crack of dawn flaunts peach hues across a cloudless firmament above mist-laden woodlands. Over the western horizon a pale blue Sap Moon prepares to retire from its nighttime pursuits in starlit skies. Flowering trees in the back forty behind our house bring to the fore spring awakenings. My heart soars and spills haiku poetry.

Sap Moon yawns…it’s dawn

Morning mist whispers of spring

Redbuds bloom once more

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Whispers Of Spring

(Eastern Redbud aka cercis canadensis)

Vernal Rush

Temperatures in the mid-sixties and crystal clear skies invite a Sunday afternoon outing to nearby Jordan Lake. It is early March, yet before expected time flowering trees such as redbud and dogwood spray vibrant color into delicate woodland greenery. First hints of pine pollen powder lakes, rivers and human activities.

On Jordan Lake beaches I find throngs of sun worshippers and water enthusiasts, who ignore stiff southeasterly breezes to join nature's rush into spring. The atmosphere is cordial and encourages exchange of pleasantries with several groups.

I meander to a remote part of the Seaforth Peninsula to put aside said hustle and bustle. Reality takes a back seat to fantasy among the wind-driven rhythms of waves lapping against a tattered shoreline.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

Vernal Rush

(Seaforth Peninsula on Jordan Lake, North Carolina)

Hope - The Eternal Light

Now and then shadows befall life in clover

And put a strain on dreams sitting on shelves,

Until hope’s light curbs malignant takeover

By dark harmful whispers within ourselves.

© Ilija Lukić 2023

In Clover

(Self-Portrait)