Prairie Walk – Searching the Earth

Middleton Prairie

Prairie Abstract © 2010 Bo Mackison

Walking the remnant prairie. Again. It calls me at this time of year, a nearly barren place at first glance. But what photographer only takes a first glance? I go to find miracles.

I’m greeted by a raven, screeching at me, he watches my movement through the grasses. Screeches loudly from his safe perch on a high branch in the oak tree. “Squawk-away-away-away!” he calls to me. I listen for awhile, then think perhaps he’ll fly away soon, so I can listen to the prairie’s quiet.

I begin a conversation with Raven, he squawks, I talk. “Fine. Sit there then. And hold still. I’ll change my lens and take a proper portrait of you.” I suppose he’s not the portrait type. He takes wing before I can unzip my pack.

I return to my search on the earth, finding little pieces of miracles as I walk. I capture the wonder of it all in notes and line drawings in my field journal and in my photographs. I don’t want this special prairie walk to be relegated to the realm of my memories, mostly forgotten.

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. This photo feels like looking at the stars at night. I love it.

  2. I sooo love this image; much better than a portrait of “Mr. Raven.” 🙂

  3. Your narrative and photo are so well done. Excellent work.

  4. This is such a beautiful image, Bo. As with Gandalf, it reminds me of stars.

    I also enjoyed your story and chuckled at your conversation with Mr. Raven.

  5. Haha, that’s a funny story, but I do enjoy the photo as well.

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