Tom Finneran: Specimens
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Admittedly, our American habit is to always be moving at high speed, whether at work or at play. We are not noted for a “stop and smell the roses”, que sera sera lifestyle. Thus, the slowdown of the COVID-19 self-quarantine has brought a sea change to our lives.
And there are some benefits to slowing down and observing the magic and beauty of the world around us.
Beyond the unmatched joy of pitching batting practice to one’s grandchildren, and beyond the serenity of planning and planting a garden, a patient eye brings its own rewards. This week, three specimens of nature commanded my attention.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOne such specimen was a tree. Yes, a simple tree, written of so memorably in Joyce Kilmer’s ode:
“I think that I shall never see. A poem lovely as a tree”.
My casual walking pace gave me a full measure of time to view this particular tree, its spread, its symmetry, and its strength. I do not have the knowledge to identify the species—perhaps oak? — but undoubtedly she is one of nature’s true beauties. Multi-limbed, gorgeous coloring, stunning shape, this tree grabs your attention and becomes rooted in your mind. It is a simple and stunning delight.
On a different walk, again enjoying the pace that invites observation, I discovered an active osprey nest. Mother osprey is the clerk of the works, bringing sticks and branches to improve the humble abode of her two growing chicks. The nest is right at the edge of a large marsh and an abundant fishery and I trust that there will be flying and hunting lessons provided for those chicks a little further into the summer months. I will be on the lookout for the entire family, as a small investment of time seems to always bring delightful scenes to retain.
Lastly, we have Baltimore Orioles in our yard! No, it’s not the baseball team of which I speak. It’s not Jim Palmer, Paul Blair, Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Earl Weaver or Boog Powell who are hanging around my backyard. Of course they would be welcome if they want to take batting practice. Rather, our Orioles are those brilliant orange and black birds whose chattering and calls to each other are most entertaining. The intensity of their colors is not to be missed. They are like a brilliant comet, zooming from tree to tree, again commanding one’s attention even more than a Palmer one-hitter.
Until last summer, I had never seen an oriole other than in a book. The real deal is better.
What a beautiful bird. What a beautiful world. What a beautiful walk.
Enjoy.
Tom Finneran is the former Massachusetts Speaker of the House.
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