People underestimate the magic of metal roofing. The patter of raindrops on metal roofing draws you to a couch with a cup of tea and a good book. It makes you feel cozy, safe. It gives you permission to spend the day indoors, recharging from a busy life of adventures. In the winter the snow slides off metal roofing in a whoosh that wakes up sleeping babies and builds up around the walls of the house insulating you from the darkness of Alaska's winters. I found that sound here in Oz in the unexpected place of a drain pipe. Right around the corner from the TAL staff room door just above the chain that unsuccessfully keeps students from walking on the grass, and near the water catchment tank that draws students' lunch rubbish like a magnet. The sky is blue, though, with no rain in sight. Where then, does this familiar sound come from? Then I see them. Four rainbow lorikeet, feet and claws loudly grasping the metal of the top of the drain pipe, preening damp feathers freshly washed in the backed up pipe. It's difficult to tell if their soft happy chatter is to each other, or to themselves, a kind of "singing in the shower" as they contentedly pull their brilliant red and green feathers through their beaks. Their claws continue to click along the metal as they regain their balance lost as they made sure to groom all the important places. There's the sound. The feeling of safety and comfort is familiar. I tuck it into my heart and go to class.
Term 3 isn't downhill, it is mile 18 of a marathon. Term 3 Walk to Work Tally: 123 miles (I have found a quicker and safer walk to school and have restarted my trek. I'm so thankful that I can walk to work again.)
1 Comment
Naomi
8/3/2017 07:50:35
What poetry--your words stir in me a feeling of happiness and balance that I have been missing for awhile. You are a gifted writer, Myla. I admire your talent and thank you for sharing your observations.
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AuthorThe Liljemark's enjoy exploring the world. This blog chronicles our adventures. Archives
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