Via Basel: Weekend in Normal, Two Poems

For the last 15 years, I have made a habit of visiting Chris’ home in Normal about once a month, mostly on weekends. Being in solitude there has a meditative effect on me, hence these two poems from my last visit.

Saturday Afternoon

Sunday Morning 

Sitting, Looking out,
Neglected overgrown backyard,
Chris’s tree, struggling with fire blight
Chimes ringing, wind gently blowing,
I narrow my gaze, more to see
A thin spider’s thread manifests,
So long, from a blade of grass to
Overhanging tree branches,
Dancing in the breeze,
Alive, resilient, flexible,
Disappears and reappears as,
Sun rays reflect on a moving target
Nature, left alone, remarkable,
I’m quiet and still and peaceful.
It’s hot outside today,
I’m cool inside, protected,
Thank you, thank you nature,
Thank you spider, thank you tree,
And thanks Chris, as the chimes
Hanging from your tree,
Sing to me.

Video Here

Basel Al-Aswad, father of EIL founder Christopher Al-Aswad, is a yogi trapped in an Orthopedic Surgeon’s body. His loves in life include reading, writing, hiking, enjoying nature, meditation, and spending time with his large Iraqi family, and now, semi-retired, he is exploring new avenues in medicine, education, public speaking, teaching, and social engagement.