The Flint Hills Writing Project (@FHWP) at Emporia State University (Go Hornets! #StingersUp) started a Writing Into the Day/Writing Out of the Day writing prompt series during this period of social distancing. This is a great idea from a great group of writers and writing enthusiasts. I’m going to try and keep up as I can and post my efforts here.
Writing Into the Day – 3/20/20 prompt is:
“…Find out where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss it all.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Joy resides in the bird feeder. The bird feeder on the first day of Spring. It sways as each chickadee lands to sample the offering of black oil sunflower seeds. There is a rhythm, the cadence of nature, a pecking order. From tree branch to bush, from bush to fence, from fence to clothesline, and finally, clothesline to the feeder. The flow is occasionally disturbed by impatience or by a cardinal swooping in and clearing the area for a private feast.
There is joy in the bird feeder.
There’s joy in the refilling the seeds with my grandson. Joy in the process. Carry the box of seeds to the patio table. Remove the bird feeder lid. Fill the feeder one small handful at a time of the smooth, black seeds. Replace the lid. Walk slowly to the clothesline and hang the bird feeder. Stand back and observe.
The process of paying attention brings joy. Nature going about its business. Joy resides there. We’re a part of this nature. A piece. An occupant only. There’s no joy in trying to climb above it and smothering it. The joy’s in being part of it.
Finally, there’s great joy in the cat who sits calmly a short distance from the bird feeder.
Also observing.
Also waiting patiently.
Because that’s what joy is all about.
