Saturday, May 4, 2013

The Low Country


The Low Country

It isn’t the light, seeping through the tops of the trees like honey,
 gathering in golden puddles here and there amongst the shady pools of the pines.
  It isn’t even the fragrance: the tea olive, the jasmine, the sea.
  No, it is the Sound that transforms this sandy pathway through the maritime forest into a transport to myth, a passage through legend.  Heralding a storm, the wind blows in, threading through the trees in blue-grey ribbons that twist the palms and palmettos into a raspy rattling orchestra, ever increasing in volume, a deafening crescendo of forest music. 
 I close my eyes and turn to meet it face to face as a gift, a blessing.
Strains of ancient melodies are heard as it passes, 
low pitched as murmurs,  lyrical notes of the Gullah and the Owl. 
We do not hear these sounds at home.
 The big white dog, his fur ruffled, stops suddenly,
 one front paw raised as a finger to his lips. 
Hush! 
 There, through the trees, a family of deer, wide-eyed and pure,
 stands frozen in our gaze.
  Eyes meet, chasms breach, then as suddenly as age,
 they disappear into the crowd of gnarled trunks and paper leaves.  
Just under the sand, dazzling green lizards zip away on thoroughfares only they know, 
a glimpse of emerald here, and there.
We do not see these sights at home.

They call this land the Low Country, a region that sits serenely in the palm of the earth’s hand, so close to the shallows of the sea that grasses and salt water intertwine like clasped hands.  Here, ballad and rhyme rise up through the very ground one walks upon.   Mystery becomes fable; fable becomes truth.  Almost without cognition, one senses the fragrance of the air enter the body like an idea.  It winds and flows through the soul - slowing, smoothing - till peace becomes the order of the day.  
 Our walks become longer and longer. 
 We dine on fresh raspberries and cheese.
We know we shall return to the world of tension and technology before too long.  
But not now.  
Not now.

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Edward, Apple and I have just returned from a week long escape while the floors of our cottage were being re-done.  A messy business and one ill-suited to life with two big furry dogs, one of whom is recuperating from knee surgery.  Apple is doing quite well and a hearty thank you to all who have inquired about her.  I took her on prescribed therapeutic walks on sandy pathways three times a day whilst we were gone; Edward, naturally, required much longer ones.  This meant, of course, that yours truly was taking six walks a day and is now in fine fettle herself!  Below is a photo of Apple the day her stitches were removed.  Very happy girl.




23 comments:

  1. What a brave, happy face even after having all those nasty stitches out.

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  2. What a beautiful getaway. We have refinishing the wood floors of our home on the list but have held off knowing we'd have to find respite someplace that would allow for 2 dogs. I'm so happy that Apple is recovering nicely. She certainly looks happy.
    Karen

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  3. Love those doggies, almost as much as you. And, the story-telling has me thinking what I'm missing. I'm missing the steady rhythm of the seashore.

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  4. So glad Apple is recovering nicely. She is such a beauty. And I won't forget your beautiful Edward. You have wonderful family members who love you unconditionally.

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  5. It is a hard thing after an
    operation, Dogs can't talk
    and tell you it hurts, I
    know how concerned you must be.
    Glad all is well and where are the Low Lands? Scotland Renee and I send a hug to APPLE?
    Yvonne

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  6. Thank you for the poetic description of your week away...I felt as if I were present in that space.

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  7. What a lovely, lyrical journey I just took with you--and all before breakfast! So glad Apple is recovering nicely and that you all got a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise.

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  8. How lovely to see the deer, it looks such a wonderful setting too. And now you are fighting fit and Apple well on her way to recovery, yipee!

    Hugs Jane

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  9. You write so beautifully that I am green with envy. It is always a treat to read your posts. I could picture my self walking that same path. I will be at the shore this summer, outer banks instead of the low country.

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  10. Glad to hear Apple's recovery is continuing...and how wonderful to be in such a lovely place for everyone to walk together. It's hard to know sometimes who enjoys a walk more, the dogs or their people!

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  11. It's wonderful to hear that you all came back feeling restored, energized and healed from your wonderful getaway to the Low Country and the seashore. Very happy for Apple and a hug for Edward.

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  12. When I think of the miserable lives some dogs lead Pamela, I can only say that both Edward and Apple are two very lucky dogs indeed.

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  13. an adorable face with a freckled little tongue!
    and you're right that their walks whip oneself into great shape.
    as usual. your post is lyrical.
    there are two musicians in your family! xo

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  14. Love the poem, where you on Daufuskie or Cumberland? Sweet doggie, nice she is on the mend!

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  15. The closest I ever got to the Low Country was one day in Charleston as a teenager, but I fell in love with the area after discovering Pat Conroy's novels. Your words again made me want to see it for myself. I know I would love it, even the pluff mud.

    A hug to Apple for her bravery!

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  16. I love the low country, Pamela... You captured its spirit perfectly!

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  17. Beautiful! Sounds like JUST what rhe doctor ordered!

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  18. That pooch is darling.
    Happy Mothers Day!!
    yvonne

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  19. Dear Pamela What a beautiful poem 'The Low Country' to read out loud. I have read it for a couple of days now and it bring a great sense of wellbeing. Congratulations and I look forward to following your blog in the future. Rosalie

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  20. I love how you decorated. It all fits so perfectly, and it looks like it didn’t cost a lot as well, which is a huge bonus. I found great Inspiration in this post. Thank you. I loved the books; they look so antique and pretty, fit just perfect with the rest.

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  21. What a lovely post:) your blog is such an inspiration.

    If you like to have a spring picnic...check out my blog:)

    Have a great day dear

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
    (sweden)

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  22. Perfect...we are one through the trees. So happy Apple has recovered. I am out of touch... soon to be corrected. xx

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!