Today, I bring you a reading of the poem ‘Whale Petroglyph’ from The Anthropocene Hymnal, by Brendan of earthweal. I owe special thanks to Brendan for inspiring me to create the anthology after reading and taking part in many poetry prompts from the earthweal forum. If you, too, wish to write ‘the poetry of a changing earth,’ you should pay a visit to the forum, where all are welcome.
Whale Petroglyph read by Brendan
David Cohea (Brendan)
David Cohea has written nine poetry collections including Allegiance, Shamanic Letters, Blue Gospel, The Beached Wings of Heaven, The God in the Tree and Seahorse: Selected Poems. He posts online under the pseudonym of Brendan at Oran’s Well. He is the founder of earthweal, an online forum poetry forum dedicated to the global witness of a changing Earth.
This is so moving, with words so carefully chosen. Now I am crying. 😢 I became obsessed with whales when I was in elementary school, after doing a research project on them. Then I had the privilege of going on an oceanography field trip, which included going on a boat off the coast of California. I doubt field trips like that take place these days. 😞 Another treat was seeing a baby rescued gray whale at Sea World in San Diego, years later. The baby was the size of a bus, fed with a bottle that was the size of a motorcycle. Amazing! She was released before she became too big for that to be possible. Just found this clip: https://seaworldentertainment.com/blog/the-story-of-jj/
This poem brought all those memories back. Thank you so much for sharing this and for bringing all of these talented poets together.
Wow, that was just profound Ingrid. Davids words of the whales in poetry are etched upon my heart and and I will never look at a whale or petroglyph in quite the same way. 💖
Beautiful poem, poignant and powerful! I enjoyed hearing Brendan reading it. What a sad world it would be without whales!
This petroglyph photo reminds me of the mysterious circles constructed by Native Americans who used to live along the Miami River. The circles may be the foundations of communal meeting sites. One circle is preserved at the hotel they were building when it was unearthed .
What a great recital by David, and doubly enjoyable as I was reading from ‘The Anthropocene Hymnal’ at the same time ..
That’s the way to do it! 🤩
The book is always nearby my computer 😊
Wonderful poem. Double wonderful to hear it spoken.
I agree!
So enjoyed it!
Thanks Punam, I’m glad you did ❤️
My pleasure. ❤️
Beautiful poem and wonderful reading!
Thanks Merril – I agree!
Thanks for all the effort you put into this, Ingrid, and thanks for the opportunity to sing for the whales.
It is my pleasure Brendan!
Beautiful recitation
I agree! 😊
Oh this is wonderful – both the poem and the reading of it. Love!!
It is, thank you Lia! ❤️
Beautiful and so sad – lovely to hear the reading of this poem.
Thank you – I agree!
This is so moving, with words so carefully chosen. Now I am crying. 😢 I became obsessed with whales when I was in elementary school, after doing a research project on them. Then I had the privilege of going on an oceanography field trip, which included going on a boat off the coast of California. I doubt field trips like that take place these days. 😞 Another treat was seeing a baby rescued gray whale at Sea World in San Diego, years later. The baby was the size of a bus, fed with a bottle that was the size of a motorcycle. Amazing! She was released before she became too big for that to be possible. Just found this clip: https://seaworldentertainment.com/blog/the-story-of-jj/
This poem brought all those memories back. Thank you so much for sharing this and for bringing all of these talented poets together.
Thank you for this moving comment Michele: I am so glad the poetry has touched your heart in this way!
Wow, that was just profound Ingrid. Davids words of the whales in poetry are etched upon my heart and and I will never look at a whale or petroglyph in quite the same way. 💖
Me neither Cindy 💕
💖💖💖
Beautiful poem, poignant and powerful! I enjoyed hearing Brendan reading it. What a sad world it would be without whales!
This petroglyph photo reminds me of the mysterious circles constructed by Native Americans who used to live along the Miami River. The circles may be the foundations of communal meeting sites. One circle is preserved at the hotel they were building when it was unearthed .
Thank you, Ingrid, for posting this. <3
I think these ancient artworks and religious symbols are fascinating! Thank you Cheryl.
Loved it❤
Thank you for listening!