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)

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