The Spy’s annual seasonal tradition of publishing a poem by Chestertown’s Meredith Davies Hadaway continues for its fifth year with her moving Synonyms for Faith.
This poem was first published by The Summerset Review and was nominated for a 2020 Pushcart Prize. Her painting is an 8×8 pastel, entitled “Vespers.” And the harp accompaniment is excerpted from “Meditation on a Scottish Seal Song.”
Synonyms for Faith
All day a lone goose stands on the floating
dock. He nibbles at the water—stretches,
preens—but does not fly. No sign
of the flock that was there the day
before. I worry he’s injured or maybe
lost his mate. The tide comes in, raising
the wooden slats that hold him, then
retreats. Ducks crowd by and leave again.
The sun moves down the river, tossing
amber light across the lower layer of clouds.
Still there, now a silhouette against the glowing
sky. There is no lonelier sound than the cry
of just-one-goose—unless you hear another
from further down the river. I can’t be sure.
I only know the goose is gone now.
That when I look again, I see a pair
of shadows wing their way along
the river’s silver surface.
Meredith Davies Hadaway is the author of three poetry collections, including At the Narrows, winner of the 2015 Delmarva Book Prize for Creative Writing.
Sara Cunningham says
Absolutely beautiful.
Diane Shields says
This is so moving, Meredith! The poem, the music, and the pastel. Absolutely delightful.
Carol Casey says
That is a beautiful poem and the harp music, the perfect accompaniment. Thanks, Meredith.
Wendy Ingersoll Perry says
Beautiful poem!
Thank you, Meredith.
kathryn day says
OK, Meredith. Now I know for sure that you are an alien. You write good poetry, make good pastels, play good music. Would you please show me how to take off in a space ship–at least until January 20th. BRAVO !
Kay Sweezey says
I loved it!
Deirdre LaMotte says
Thank you for this beautiful poem!
You capture so much in your words and beautifully display the natural world around us. Thank you!
Nancy McCloy says
What a beautiful and timely gift of sound and image. Thanks, Meredith, for another reminder of how blessed we are to live in this special place with such talented artists and friends as you.
Nancy McCloy
holly johnson says
Thank you so much.
Joe Levens says
Beautiful, Meredith.
Tara Elliott says
This is lovely. Thank you, Meredith, for the grace of this needed poem and reminder of faith.