I sat alone
utterly happy —
because my passing thoughts
are great company
when I’m happy.
And when I’m otherwise engaged,
they’re the only company
I can tolerate.
—
This isn’t a dark post — just a simple truth known to most writers.
We are a thousand voices and memories,
compressed into one fleeting, fragile mind.
I’ve spent a lifetime learning the difference between thought and reality.
Imagination, when guided, is a gift.
But when it wanders untended — it can become a storm.
Nearly a decade ago, I let go of the myth
that a drink or two would quiet it.
It didn’t. Not for long.
It only distracted the shepherd.
Now, it takes effort.
A little tending.
And for that, I’ve found:
solitude is the best company.
Header photo: I have been tramping about with my long lens. I used to only use it on a tripod. Then I met a photographer at Quilpie the other day. We went for a walk around the Lake talking up a storm. I captured some stunning photos of a very shy little bird called a Spinifex Pigeon. Now I’m hooked and hunting birds. Say hello to Maggie. I stalked her carefully and she watched me carefully until I could see her body language getting a little uncomfortable, then I took the photo and I’m quite happy with it,
And here is the spinifex pigeon. Look at this little dude’s hat!
A lovely choice of photos, thank you Kate.
I never tire of black and white – on an avian rather than AFL magpie.
The colouring of the Crested pigeon is beautiful.
~
That line about distracting the shepherd: insightful, wise.
Regards,
DD
I have so many photos it can be difficult to choose but I love the noble magpie and their song is magnificent
Kate, you know I love your writing. And I do plan (want) to write a review as soon as I find time to say something worthy.
Ahh Mitch no pressure my friend – kind of you to say 😊
Kate, your line “a drink or two would quiet it. / It didn’t. Not for long.” really struck me—I can relate so much to what you describe about being alone with your thoughts—both the comfort and the challenge of it.
~David
Ahh yes old me handled a lot in the best way she could, and because of her I am where am I am today, which is a usually very peaceful being who lives a life that inspires me everyday.
Your photo is lovely, and hello to Maggie; she has beautiful markings. Solitude does offer serenity. ✨ Enjoying your photos on IG. Beautiful!
Thanks Michelle I’ve taken photos for years and it’s nice to scroll back through picking ones I love, as well as posting recent ones, mind you the ones I love aren’t all perfect, they are usually blurry or a bit blown out but it’s the feelings they provoke that I love
Perfection is overrated in our digitized world and those feelings translate. ✨
beautifull birds 👍
Wow! What a handsome guy! I do appreciate the poem and the sentiment it conveys.
Thanks Camilla 💕
How lovely he bird is:)