It’s true, Lake Lagunitas sparkles like
the windows at Bulgari, but, as I’ve
remarked before, you idolize your hike,
why can’t I idolize Rodeo Drive?
And I agree, a giant redwood has
an urban grandeur, and in spite of fog,
Sonoma and Marin are pretty as
the latest Crate & Barrel catalogue.
But while the woods may be a match for, say,
a crowded Music Center symphony,
the difference is: your trees (unlike LA)
are not as equally impressed by me.
Imagine the safaris I can buy us.
Just let me be, for once, your Tamalpais.
| Copyright © 2016 by Eric Meub Eric Meub, architect, lives and practices in Pasadena. He is the adopted brother of the artist, Susan C. Price. They respect, in their different ways, the line. |  |
I'll have to think about that a bit.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff.
I had to check out your local nature venues north of SF, Lake Lagumitas and the beautiful peak of Tamalpais Mountain, besides Sonoma Valley and the Marin Island Wildlife Refuge.
ReplyDeleteYou live in a wonderful place which I had only visited twice during short lecture trips to Berkeley - especially the drive up Napa Valley, through Russian River, over the mountains to Bodega Bay and the drive down the ocean front back to SF and Berkeley.
You contrast this with examples of urban civilization, Bulgari windows in Hollywood, a Crate&Barrel catalogue, a Music Center symphony, where the protagonist believes that urban splendor beats nature.
The last couplet hits the nail on the head: he and his money want to buy as many safaris as necessary if she would only admire him as her Tamalpais, a fine mountain peak.
Your sonnet is a pleasure to read.
Rolf
Thank you Rolf for the lovely comments. I have no idea who the woman is who posed for Susan's drawing, but the way Susan captured her pose, and, with it, an exaggerated spirit of innocent self-absorption, led to the NorCal/SoCal musing. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Eric
ReplyDelete