Abalinx 27 April 2022
There are many times when I just sit at my desk overlooking the veranda and across towards the RSL and beyond, allowing my brain to wander from one neuro transmitter to another. Its time like these that I wistfully think of a life in another place and another time. A place where tranquillity rules and beckons the mind to wander. Ahhhhh, I sigh for I want to feel the warmth of the sun. To smell the earth freshly ploughed, the fresh air gently wafting through the boughs of the olive trees and make me wish I was back in my place of birth and like the Autumn leaf that fell from the overhanging branches down into the stream below, meandering amongst the shallows as it makes its way towards the mighty ancient Eurotas River. A river that tested even the bravest of the Mycenaean and Spartan warriors.
The river itself is a wonder to see, especially during the winter months when torrents of water make their way down the mountain slopes all racing to see who makes it to the bottom of the valley first. Beginning with the snow flows high up on the Taygetos mountain range, where rays of sunshine bounce off the white surface attempting to find weak spots to begin the water cycles. Slowly they turn in rivulets, then torrents and gushing over water falls, gorges, re-entrants, valleys and then onto the plains where they form into the streams that have stood the ravages of time.
The streams that were once dry during the long hot summer months quickly fill up and turn the arid banks on either side to bloom with all types of wild flowers. Flowers of every colour, foliage, wild grasses and forests that attract all manner of wild beasts, insects, bees, and fowl of the air seeking to extract their daily ration of nutrients and protein. Suddenly I am surprised by the sudden appearance of flying bugs racing past, filling the air with their music created by their wings, music that even Bach or Beethoven would be proud of.
A Hawke hovers above, flying in circles observing the ground far below seeking an unsuspected prey. It appears to stop in mid air with its sharp hook beak gazing down and the next moment it plummets down at such a speed that you wonder whether it can bring itself upright. Just at the last moment it veers off horizontally near the ground and shoots off into the heavens with a writhing snake entangled within its claws. The Hawke continues on its journey like Icarus of old who flew so close to the sun that his wings melted and fell to his doom. In this case, the Hawke disappears over the horizon to the South, where the mulberry and the Australian eucalyptus tress flourish. The eucalyptus trees being a gift from the Australian people to the Greeks some hundred years ago.
I am then brought back to reality by a thud on the window pain and I realise that a magpie has struck the window. Don’t know why they do that but I guess they lose their bearing like we humans do occasionally when our mind wanders. Life is till good despite the aches and pains, creaking of bones, tingling felt on our skin, the occasional rash that one’s gets as one ages. Still memories are wonderful for they nourish the brain and assist the neurotransmitters to communicate with one another and keeps Alzheimer at bay. Yes life is still good and as such we should make the most of it and not allow time to judge or determine how we live.
As always, be of good cheer, remain vigilant, stay strong always, fight the good fight and never give up.
Peter Adamis is a (not for profit) Journalist/Commentator. He is a retired Australian military serviceman and an Industry organisational & Occupational (OHS) & Training Consultant whose interests are within the parameters of domestic and international political spectrum. He is an avid blogger and contributes to domestic and international community news media outlets as well as to local and Ethnic News. He holds a Bachelor of Adult Learning & Development (Monash), Grad Dip Occupational Health & Safety, (Monash), Dip. Training & Assessment, Dip Public Administration, and Dip Frontline Management. Contact via Email: [email protected]
