Mortifying isn’t it? Of course I’ll do my best to understand if this is a bridge too far, Kimberly. Mushing up the sacred with the mundane might be considered a form of heresy to some!
The Praying mantis was considered some kind of conduit in ancient Egyptian times, a protector from evil on the path towards, I guess you could say, the afterlife. Usually a dead mantis. I absolutely love your interpretation of events, but maybe you came across some sacred act being performed by the Rock Wren. Of course you would. Do not ask me how I know this little tidbit from ancient history, I just do. It would be another long story and you know I am already famous for my ‘way too long’ comments.
You are famous in my mind Lor, but not for 'way too long' comments. Rather for wise, generous, deeply thoughtful and sometimes quite vulnerable comments. What if we make a deal and you get to comment just as your heart pleases without a single moment of doubt that it will be welcome? I adore your addition to this little reflection pool, love contemplating that rather than some simple meal for one of the kids there might be some larger, sacred enchantment going on. Burning sage in the cave is out but bobbing a mantis while chanting drives away the bad juju. I shall dine on this all day.
They are rather a mysterious treat to find, aren't they John. What other insect contemplates and studies you with the same intensity that you study it?
As one strange lady who has a large, now very dried, green praying mantis sat on her desk right in front of her screen, I loved this one. They are attracted to me here for some reason both alive and sadly dead. So I adore them and have even draw them.
Your words evoked so many questions I had not thought of before, one such as," during a hundred chanting snippets and trills are these prayers or song, I wonder?" Every time I see a bird singing with beak full of food now I will think this.
As for the beautiful bird and rock synastry, just perfection in nature. 🤎
I hope you never give up your strange leanings, Sally. A large, dried green mantis on one's desk seems perfectly wonderful. And yes, how on earth do they manage to sing as they do so often with a full beak of wiggling things? How wonderful that you're here.
Great Pictures and beautiful poem . Not sure Would ever want to try a Praying mantis. I guess the little one was happy to get it. The clarity of the pics and that gorgeous stone...love them. Thanks for sharing
Like you, Teri, I don't relish the thought of crunching a mantis in my mandible or even swallowing one whole. But I love reading your notes and thank you for making time to leave such kind words...
Such clear photos for to tell us a story. Looks almost like a painting - that rock, too. I have never been offered a mantis, praying or otherwise, to know if it goes down easier in one position or another. Looks like this one got a little too comfortable while praying to his tiny god.
Your notes, dear Mare, always an uplift and treat. Thank you for such encouragement. I've encountered and held, and photographed many mantis over the years and am always so taken by their acute attentions and awareness. Many insects seem almost vapid; their utter lack of interest in what is right there beside them. But mantis seem ever contemplative and curious, always making eye contact and taking notes.
I can't imagine making eye contact with such a tiny insect. Eye contact is important conversation between humans, animals, humans and their larger pets. I would like that experience - of insect to human - the thought thrills me for some reason. I will watch for a mantis.
Ahhh, I loved this! Pray becomes prey … the intersection of all things.
Mortifying isn’t it? Of course I’ll do my best to understand if this is a bridge too far, Kimberly. Mushing up the sacred with the mundane might be considered a form of heresy to some!
Juicy mantis, upside down, that tickles feathered throats of brown… 💛🙏😘
“pray becomes prey
within a gaping mouth”
There you go again, mushing up the sacred and the mundane. ❤️👏
Sleeping mantis indeed.
Excellent use of the hominem pray and prey! It tells the whole story.
The Praying mantis was considered some kind of conduit in ancient Egyptian times, a protector from evil on the path towards, I guess you could say, the afterlife. Usually a dead mantis. I absolutely love your interpretation of events, but maybe you came across some sacred act being performed by the Rock Wren. Of course you would. Do not ask me how I know this little tidbit from ancient history, I just do. It would be another long story and you know I am already famous for my ‘way too long’ comments.
You are famous in my mind Lor, but not for 'way too long' comments. Rather for wise, generous, deeply thoughtful and sometimes quite vulnerable comments. What if we make a deal and you get to comment just as your heart pleases without a single moment of doubt that it will be welcome? I adore your addition to this little reflection pool, love contemplating that rather than some simple meal for one of the kids there might be some larger, sacred enchantment going on. Burning sage in the cave is out but bobbing a mantis while chanting drives away the bad juju. I shall dine on this all day.
Big, grateful hug my friend.
More to come, soon.
Well done.
Thank you, Sue.
My favorite insect. It was always exciting to find one.
They are rather a mysterious treat to find, aren't they John. What other insect contemplates and studies you with the same intensity that you study it?
As one strange lady who has a large, now very dried, green praying mantis sat on her desk right in front of her screen, I loved this one. They are attracted to me here for some reason both alive and sadly dead. So I adore them and have even draw them.
Your words evoked so many questions I had not thought of before, one such as," during a hundred chanting snippets and trills are these prayers or song, I wonder?" Every time I see a bird singing with beak full of food now I will think this.
As for the beautiful bird and rock synastry, just perfection in nature. 🤎
I hope you never give up your strange leanings, Sally. A large, dried green mantis on one's desk seems perfectly wonderful. And yes, how on earth do they manage to sing as they do so often with a full beak of wiggling things? How wonderful that you're here.
So precious to me how the wren’s plumage so closely mimics the intricate rock patterning, color and texture. You always hit the mark David. Thank you!
Yes Gary! You took the words for my mouth!
You're a generous soul, Gary, ever observant and careful to make the time to connect. It means the world and I'm most grateful.
One of my favorite birds! Beautiful poem with the photos.
Thank you Maria. So pleased that this little one consented to a conversation, even with his mouth full.
Great Pictures and beautiful poem . Not sure Would ever want to try a Praying mantis. I guess the little one was happy to get it. The clarity of the pics and that gorgeous stone...love them. Thanks for sharing
Like you, Teri, I don't relish the thought of crunching a mantis in my mandible or even swallowing one whole. But I love reading your notes and thank you for making time to leave such kind words...
Love this story. I agree is a lovely piece of poetry!
Thank you dear Nancy. Your presence here makes me happy.
Always evocative to my sense of wonder, these poems of yours...
I could hope for nothing more my friend. Evocative. I'll take it. Smiling.
Such clear photos for to tell us a story. Looks almost like a painting - that rock, too. I have never been offered a mantis, praying or otherwise, to know if it goes down easier in one position or another. Looks like this one got a little too comfortable while praying to his tiny god.
P.S., I like your poem.
Your notes, dear Mare, always an uplift and treat. Thank you for such encouragement. I've encountered and held, and photographed many mantis over the years and am always so taken by their acute attentions and awareness. Many insects seem almost vapid; their utter lack of interest in what is right there beside them. But mantis seem ever contemplative and curious, always making eye contact and taking notes.
I can't imagine making eye contact with such a tiny insect. Eye contact is important conversation between humans, animals, humans and their larger pets. I would like that experience - of insect to human - the thought thrills me for some reason. I will watch for a mantis.