Wild and Free

I’ve been buried in meeting deadlines these days, occasionally gasping for breath. However, this afternoon, everything came to a halt. When an invisible force tugs and pushes you, how do you respond? You simply go!

I followed the instinctive pull, which naturally led me back to the hills, as if it were calling my soul. Not quite prepared for a steep climb, I opted for an easier path that would still help me meet my daily step goal.

Lake Durrance. I captured you in the tranquility of your glassy, undisturbed surface. There, I immersed myself in your reflections, your mirror-like perfection, and symmetrical beauty. I was still getting my gear ready when, from among the branches, two mature bald eagles emerged. My excitement momentarily overruled the rush to capture their flight. I sighed heavily and hoped that the pair would return for a graceful circle.

My usual process was to capture frames and then define them afterward with words — poetry, a song, or an essay. However, today, I’m feeling quite different and ambitious, eager to do just the opposite. I select a word or phrase and then seek to position my frame on something that embodies or defines the chosen word. The mind sharpens as the body moves, much like trying to brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand. Going off on a slight tangent, what I mean is that sometimes, we need to summon enough curiosity to explore the unusual, to venture beyond our comfort zones.

FIRST WORD: RIPPLE

The lake’s surface was now being gently disturbed by the wind, creating subtle creases in the water as it approached the banks. Depending on the angle, these creases took on various shapes, each one unique and captivating. The clicks from my camera broke the silence: a soft click, followed by another, and then more, as if the lake itself was whispering its secrets through the lens.

SECOND WORD: SHADOW

I entered the forest from where the pair of eagles had emerged earlier. The entrance, with the weak sunlight penetrating between the trees, some rays blocked by branches, and the time of day suspending the strength of light, provided the perfect opportunity. Another click.

THIRD WORD: EXPOSED

A tree, felled by a storm, lay half-floating by the clear lake, revealing a section of its trunk. The bark had been stripped away through the passage of time. Perhaps it now served as a refuge for trout that lived beneath. 2 clicks here.

FOURTH WORD: REFUGE

What could visually define refuge? Perhaps a bird’s nest. Deep in the woods, I considered myself fortunate if I could spot a nest. Then, this scene drew my attention. A cluster of tiny mushrooms was emerging from a crevice in an old fallen tree, where mosses covered the trunk. In this secluded spot, the mushrooms flourished beneath a delicate web. It was the ideal environment, ensuring their growth. The image captured my gaze. A few clicks here.

FIFTH WORD: SOLITUDE

A man with two fishing poles firmly planted by the bank. As I observed him from behind, I couldn’t help but wonder what thoughts occupied his mind. Was it dinner plans, work concerns, or perhaps reflections on his marriage? He seemed completely immersed in his own universe, shielded from the distractions of the outside world. His arms were crossed protectively around his chest, a portrait of patient solitude, waiting…

6TH WORD: TANGLED

This one felt straightforward. My initial thoughts were of an insect ensnared in a spider’s web or a leaf suspended on a twig, reluctant to touch the ground. Then, I came across this fern. It was untangled, yet I was captivated by its delicate curls. It seemed as though it yearned for the freedom to stretch and grow. This stage reminded me of a pupa, when a caterpillar ceases its growth and undergoes a swift and remarkable physical transformation into a moth or butterfly. Tangles — sometimes in life, we navigate these complexities. However, like all things, it too has its boundaries. Just like a butterfly, claiming its beauty often requires undergoing a metamorphosis. There are no shortcuts. I took a few photos from different angles depending on the lighting. I chose this one…

7TH WORD: VEINS

I used to commute through the labyrinth of New York’s subway, where lines sometimes intersected at transfer stations. I often referred to them as transit veins. However, veins are more than just lines; they carry your life force to your heart. As I ventured further into the woods, I nearly stumbled over these exposed roots, and there they were — nature’s veins.

8TH WORD: SYMMETRY

The simplest of them all. I just had to look, and there it was — a mirror in you, perfectly still. True peace demands a particular depth, the kind of peace that has always resided within you from the very beginning.

Wild and free. Be free to sing your song to everyone.