Me And My Shadows

When dogged by dark times,

Adapt, bring to knees all gloom—

You know who you are.

© Ilija Lukić 2024

Me And My Shadows

(Ilija on day of 2024 solar eclipse; photo by Melanie Lukić)

Life's Gateways

Weary souls mark time,

Till hearts open new doorways—

Mind cedes means and time.

© Ilija Lukić 2024

Thirty days after the spring equinox, summer-like temperatures and azure skies invite exploration of a few miles along the tortuous 180-mile Jordan Lake shoreline. I affectionately call the ecosystem spanning riparian woodlands, sandy westward beaches and rugged eastern sandstone banks my stomping ground.

Every venture into said wilds, while afoot or later in mind’s eye, takes me through physical as well as perceived and ponderable gateways into the natural world and life itself. With rare exception even brief immersions deliver on promises of adventure, but also gains in knowledge and spiritual enlightenment for this agreeable mortal.

Life's Gateway

(Ebenezer Point on Jordan Lake NC, monochrome)

Finding Closure

Heed heartfelt ways,

   It hasn’t steered you wrong.

Ignore naysayers,

   Life’s most wretched throng.

Once twilight looms

   Bid earthbound days so long,

With heart and soul

   Wrapped in sublime swan song.

© Ilija Lukić 2024

Seeking Closure

(Loblolly pine and willow oak at Ebenezer Point on Jordan Lake NC)

The Child Within

As life runs its course,

Drink wide-eyed from the cup of life—

Like a little child.

© Ilija Lukić 2024

St Mark's Chapel

(Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh NC)

Cordial Showdown

Sun first wanes on high

Then slips velvet bonds of Moon

And champions rebirth

Once again the age-old dispute of celestial spheres over dominion in the firmament of Heaven ends amicably after a cordial showdown in the skies above Mexico, across the United States and up to the Canadian Maritimes. 

The spectacular event embodies the age-old metaphor for overcoming obstacles by bending like a willow to the tempests of love, loss, wisdom and power that daily life throws our way. As the moment of deepest effect the Moon has on the face of the Sun passes, a palpable sigh of relief and jubilant cry of “let there be light” wings skyward from awestruck individuals, small groups and large gatherings of people.

© Ilija Lukić 2024

Let There Be Light

(Self-portrait, photo impressionism)

The Mordecai House

The foundation and major portions of this historic landmark date back to 1785. It's located just one-half mile north of today's North Carolina State Capitol building.

As it has through the centuries, the oldest residence in Raleigh weathered last night's onslaught of spring thunderstorms well. Flowers sheared from the lofty canopy of a stately sweet gum tree carpet the grounds. The clusters compete for attention with the golden hues of the house siding and spring greenery. Gray skies bathe the setting in a gentle flat light. For a few moments time stands still and gracefully rewinds in mind's eye. Combined with the quietude and effect moisture has on enriching colors, the scene stirs nostalgia for a bygone era.

© Ilija Lukić 2024

The Mordecai House

(East-facing elevation and grounds)