On the Level

On the level, both literally and figuratively, this first full day at home has been invigorating and encouraging. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, there are several concurrent projects in the works. Inside and outside. Home and outbuildings. Plenty of potential for discombobulation… But, by in large, this impromptu return to Rosslyn has been profoundly positive.

The poem below, “On the Level“, and the photograph above reflect the reassurance that I’m encountering, the confidence and conviction that are flowing back in after ebbing. As so often in the past, I’m reminded that it is Rosslyn who caretakes us rather than the other way around.

On the Level

It has been thirty hours
since I was transported —
by car, plane, ferry boat,
abrupt imperative,
and overprotective
compulsion — to Rosslyn. 

A preternatural,
primal homing instinct,
a tenderness I thought
had faded years ago
from wandering wonders
and wondering wanders,

awakened abruptly —
vigorous, protective,
and hell-bent on action —
decluttering my head
and whetting my resolve
to salve and to safeguard.

A day and change into 
hibernal homecoming —
reviewing, revising,
and, yes, celebrating 
significant progress —
apprehension abates,

optimism returns,
and waves of gratitude
echo the lake’s lapping
against Rosslyn’s sea wall
where a few months from now
summer will patina

winter tribulations,
gentling jagged edges
like sandy beach churned glass,
and the handsome highlights 
will outshine the shadows
and glow up the journey.

In the photo above (actually a still from a 360° video that I intend to share on Instagram) Pam and Hroth, laser leveled the interior perimeter of the icehouse just below the intersection of the roof rafters with the north and south walls. There are a couple of quirky details that we still need to work out as we fine-tune trim details, but the good news is that this old building has held up remarkably well. On the level, there’s plenty of optimism, despite inevitable setbacks.