NATURE POETRY

Meeting a Turtle in South Africa

Poetry and prose about fear and fire. And the full moon in Aries.

Yesterday, I gave a workshop about Authentic Storytelling to a group of international women. And I had to face my own face in Zoom. That’s a big deal for me. I never look in mirrors.

It doesn’t matter why, that’s not what this story is about.

I don’t want pity. I don’t want advice. I just want to tell you that I’m comfortable hiding behind my words on a page. My safe haven.

And when I took my place at the keyboard this morning, my meeting with a turtle in South Africa came to mind. I’d gone traveling alone. Pfew. That was a thingy at the time, in 2016.

And when I was in Capetown I wanted to visit this national park. Full of (non-dangerous-to-people) wildlife. By car. Never thought I would get out of the car. Too scared. Too scared to meet people in such a remote place. Too scared of big insects, zebras, and springboks.

But I got out of the car anyway and hiked around. Alone.

Meeting a Turtle

My footsteps are your trigger for fear, for freezing, for flight.

I hold still. Mesmerized.

Your beautiful face doesn’t watch me. Doesn’t dare look me in the eye.

I know you’re weighing your options, your primal brain alive and alert.

Upon entering your space, I felt how you feel.

My feet kind of loose. My stomach rather tight and my throat in a tumbled twist.

Cacophonic sounds are surrounding me. Humid smells are entering my nose.

The light is harsh and hot and heavy.

And then… I meet you.

Curiosity enters my brain and melts the ice in my heart. You are gorgeous!

But your conclusion is different from mine.

You run and hide!

Curiosity and Fire

In yesterday’s workshop, Primavera Salvá talked about the full moon ritual she would be hosting later that night. The full moon is in Aries now.

Normally the full moon is a time to release and let go. But this full moon is also the beginning of a new cycle. Primavera told me new things. About Mars being the ruler planet of Aries. And how Mars stands for fire. It’s time to use this fire wisely and constructively.

Sitting behind my keyboard, everything merges. Facing my own Zoom-image, and meeting the turtle. The two events entwine and blend together. Is Mother Moon waving her magic wand?

Maybe it’s time to embrace my fears now.

Can curiosity and fire be my helpers?

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© Désirée Driesenaar