Autumn on the Island

Autumn on the Island
by Jodie McCallie

The wind sighing high in the tree tops sounds like the surf
until I reach the beach
where the waves crash ashore with a louder declaration
until they reach the sand
where they sough up the shoreline and sound like the wind
high in the treetops

where does the ocean end and the sky begin
where does the water start and the wind cease

Mangroves are master of this domain – reaching up to the sky
and out to caress the water
with long, thin fingers stretching down, where fish disappear
seemingly into the forest
while feathered friends easily travel from branches to brine
and from water to woods

where does the sea cease and the mud begin
where does the island start and the lagoon end

The rebirth of the sea grapes leaves a blanket on the floor
crunchy, drying leaves
on the branches, green yields to yellow, yields to brown
then yields to the ground
all submitting to the plant, as its branches free new spaces
for emerging leaves of green

where does the tree end and the ground begin
where does dying cease and renewal start

Jodie McCallie is an Australian who has embraced her life in the United States. She is a part time poet, who makes her living in corporate America. Jodie loves nature and connecting with God through the beauty of His creation. She uses poetry to worship, and to make sense of the world around her, and is currently exploring the value of poetry as a gateway to healing and personal growth. Jodie lives in Georgia with her husband and two rescue dogs. You can find her on Facebook.