Sehnsucht

I apologize for the long hiatus. Life has a way of catching one unaware. I have been thinking a lot lately of the phenomena of Sehnsucht. It is a German word that depicts longing, a yearning that we may not always be aware of. This can be a longing for a place such as ‘homesickness’, or a particular feeling, or person. A very dear friend of mine wrote a paper on this subject stating that Sehnsucht could be described as a longing, searching for that which is absent or seems unattainable.
Qualities to remember with the premise of Sehnsucht is, a desire for that which is absent, searching but never finding, a longing that cannot be filled in the temporal world, thus leaving a sense of the bittersweet.
For those of you that are interested in a fairly detailed account, check out this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sehnsucht

Exuberance
Come to me on the sweet morning light
drink of my nectar
as the fresh dew
on the ground
find repose in my arms
as the dawn’s first rays
break across
darkened sky
Can you hear the breeze
as it sighs through the trees
it is I your love
your desire calling to you
spurring you on
Continue to seek
do not give up your search
fan your ardour
hope for me through arid days of
toil and barrenness
continue to thirst
do not grow faint

I am there
though elusive
always within
arms reach
Sharpen your senses
listen with earnestness
for my lilting song
stay ever hopeful
you’ll find me
at last

your roaming will
eventually come to an end
and your
empty heart
will be filled
again.

© Eleanor Thorel 2008

Glimmer
Can it be possible that my life has kick started into living?
To actually experience something akin to joy?
I hardly recognize it, seems like so long ago
since I've woken up, feeling glad to be alive
tentatively hopeful,
expectant and curious

like a child again.

© Eleanor Thorel 2008

Solitude
Ah, she cried out I am wasting
with my wanting
I cannot bear to be alone any longer
when I am ill who is there
to cool my head, hold my hair?
When I despair who envelops me
and comforts me?
In those dark sleepless hours
in the middle of the night
who hears my weeping?
Who wipes away my tears?

Hold fast dear one –
does not the dawn herald hope for a new day?
Look at your garden
bursting with life and color
birds find a haven amongst the foliage

sweet scents encircle you
a warm breeze caresses you
who can resist the cheerful song of the robin
announcing the day or calling for rain?

The busy chirping of the sparrow as she
flits from leaf to leaf.
Ah, so much beauty surrounds you
the opening bud of the climbing white rose
the abundant lilies.

In the middle of the night
the moon is there to shed her soft light
to illuminate the fireflies
remember,
things are not as they seem
continue to live life with the breath
of expectation and you will
not be disappointed।

© Eleanor Thorel 2008

Water Montage

Ever since I can remember water has been an important part of my life. Every summer we traveled up to Muskoka to cottage on Lake Rosseau.

I remember the sharp aroma of salt water and the sounds of ocean swells in Jamaica as a young girl. Much of my inner creative work has been accomplished by the water.




Comprehending the Incomprehensible

The water is still
like glass
I slice into it
the cold pierces
like a dagger
razor sharp this place
once a mystery - unknown
grows more familiar each time
I visit




Repeated meetings increase knowledge
much like circumventing
the frontier of a relationship
hidden places
reveal the exquisite
to be handled with
the greatest care
and sanctity
yet, the familiar
still contains its mystery
for whatever is known
holds uncharted places
unexplored
and fathomless.








© Eleanor Thorel 2007

Examining the Hidden and the Delicate

Have you noticed when observing a butterfly’s torn wing that it

continues to go about its business of flying and collecting nectar? Its damaged wing does not deter it from carrying out its purpose.

All of us have narratives to tell. No matter our pain and how we handle it, we continue to press on, more often than not evoking courage and growth. When we are willing to look beyond the obvious, there is no limit to finding meaning..

“Something opens our wings.
Something makes boredom and hurt disappear.
Someone fills the cup in front of us.
We taste only sacredness.”

- Rumi

Flight

I’ve always had an insatiable curiosity which would lead to the inevitable question “why”? As I explored through my art, what makes things tick, I took to studying birds and spent a lot of time at the Royal Ontario Museum.

The Ornithology Department kindly let me sign out bird specimens which I blithely took home in various boxes.

I remember one such amusing incident when I was traveling via bus back to Muskoka, and a well meaning seat mate wondered what was in the very large box set on my lap. She rambled through various possibilities, new outfit, presents for family, etc. I couldn’t bring myself to tell her that in fact it was a snow goose specimen. I could visualize her abject horror had I opened the box to satisfy her curiosity. I imagine she would have found another seat!

Painting Journey

I mentioned that I have found expression through my artwork. I have a love for beauty and am drawn to the obscure and the unique.

I’m not certain if this might not have a little to do with my roots, which I’m still discovering. I am an island girl born in Trinidad, spent my early years in Jamaica, but have resided most of my life in Ontario. Posted here are some examples of my work.

These three pieces depict my affinity for nature and its hidden aspects. The delicate is not always as frail as it may appear.