Today we got up at 5 a.m. to prepare to drive to Maine. We have been invited to visit with my friends Kim and Philippe Villard who live in Boothbay Harbor, ME. We arrived after a 5 hour drive and after introductions and lunch at their art studio I tried to rest for a while since I was exhausted after the solo drive, and simultaneously shaking with caffeine. Instead I could not sleep and ended up writing a poem, reflecting memories of coming here the last time with Dan. We went for a swim in the ocean before dinner. And got beck to enjoy a steamed lobster supper with everyone. In France one lobster costs 100 Euros, so it was quite a treat to have the $2.99 / lb. Maine lobsters in abundance.
Opposites in PAIRS
For Kim and Philippe
My hand measures the length of the trees
Overhead where we all once sat together
Finds the depth of the love
Given as nourishment around a table.
This place remains the same
But the world now different
Listens for a voice not here.
My hand measures the heartbeat,
Feels the threads that hold
The universe together,
The invisible ocean, that cup
That catches the tears.
The Heart glistens with dew, a rainbow’s center.
No path ventures down one side never to see the other.
Pairs like opposites,
Measure sorrow with joy,
Carries one within another.
Julia Ferrari
July 19, 2013