Summary

"This Is Now" is a reflective poem that captures the beauty and transience of the present moment amidst life's complexities.

Abstract

The poem "This Is Now" by Erika Burkhalter is a contemplative piece that emphasizes the importance of living in the present. It paints a vivid picture of a moment in time, filled with simple yet profound details such as a rising moon, a sleeping cat, and the sounds of nature intertwined with human life. The author acknowledges the pain and death that exist but chooses to focus on the beauty that surrounds her, from the natural world to the arts, like a lullaby by China Forbes. The poem is a vow to embrace the now, to find solace in poetry and the natural rhythm of life, and to recognize that the awareness of death enhances the appreciation of beauty. The accompanying soundcloud track provides an auditory dimension to the experience of the poem. Burkhalter, a yogi and neurophilosopher, shares her multifaceted perspective on life and encourages readers to subscribe to her work, support the arts, and consider purchasing her photography.

Opinions

The author believes in the power of the present moment as a source of beauty and inspiration.
There is an underlying sentiment that acknowledging death deepens the appreciation for life's beauty.
The poem suggests that immersing oneself in art, such as poetry and music, is a way to nourish the soul.
The author values the connection with nature, as evidenced by the detailed descriptions of the environment and the celestial events.
Erika Burkhalter expresses a commitment to spreading love and amazement for the natural world through her work.
She encourages readers to support writers and artists on platforms like Medium by subscribing and joining as members.
The author is open to selling her photographs to interested readers, indicating a blend of artistic and commercial interests.

Poetry

This Is Now

A poem about beauty in this moment

“The Singing Moon” from the “Blood Moon” Eclipse of 2021. Photo ©Erika Burkhalter

This is now. This is now. This is now.

The moon is rising.

The cat is sleeping on the bed.

The rugs are drying on the rail after last night’s rain.

The distant murmur of cars wars with the sputter of the fountain.

There has been death. And seeping pain.

But this is now.

Mars is winking beneath the crone, a constant orbiter on its nightly rounds.

The five-petaled Egyptian Star might outbleed the moon tonight.

And mushrooms have sprouted in the pot of Spanish Petunia.

China Forbes, from Pink Martini, croons a wistful lullaby.

Sleep is nowhere near.

I shall not tread into the past.

I vow to live in beauty. To walk in beauty. To breathe in beauty.

To let poetry feed me.

To let moon song sing to me.

To put my ear to the cat’s heaving side and to fill myself with the throb of purrs.

And also with the throb of life.

Without death, would there be such aching beauty in living?

This is now. This is now. This is now.

Erika Burkhalter is a yogi, neurophilosopher, cat-mom, photographer, and lover of travel and nature, spreading her love and amazement for Mother Earth’s glories, one photo, poem or story at a time. (MS Neuropsychology, MA Yoga Studies).

Syncopation

The journey of love

medium.com

My California Early-Spring Garden

Kitties in the garden, daffodils, grape hyacinths, nasturtium, freeway daisies, succulent blooms and “twitterpating”…

medium.com

“I Love my Dom Purringnon” Mom!

The kitties got some new toys

medium.com

If you enjoyed this piece, you might consider subscribing to my stories. You’ll get an alert whenever a story gets published. While I do normally post my stories with free “friends” links on social media, if you enjoy reading on medium, you can help the many talented writers here by joining. It helps to support the arts and to keep us writing!

And, because I’ve had a few people asking lately, if you’re ever interested in purchasing a photo, just leave me a note.