Poem for Friday

The Long Love
By Thomas Wyatt

The long love that in my thought doth harbour,
And in mine heart doth keep his residence,
Into my face presseth with bold pretence,
And therein campeth, spreading his banner.
She that me learneth to love and suffer,
And wills that my trust and lust's negligence
Be reined by reason, shame, and reverence,
With his hardiness taketh displeasure.
Wherewithal, unto the heart's forest he fleeth,
Leaving his enterprise with pain and cry;
And there him hideth, and not appeareth.
What may I do when my master feareth
But in the field with him to live or die?
For good is the life ending faithfully.

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Our day in Boise started at Zoo Boise, where we saw many animals including tigers, bobcats, llamas, foxes, meerkats and of course penguins. From there we went to the World Center for Birds of Prey, originally created for peregrine conservation, now the home of nearly 50 California condors in temporary residence for breeding before they'll be released and several rare falcons and eagles too injured to be released into the wild, many of which are also participating in breeding programs. A small number of live birds are on display along with exhibits on the threats to birds of prey and ways conservationists are trying to help protect them.

We had a late lunch at a Mexican restaurant near our hotel, then took the kids swimming for a couple of hours before going to the Boise Hawks game against the Vancouver Canadians at Memorial Stadium. Paul's cousin Todd is the team's GM, so we got box seats overlooking third base and sat with Todd's parents. Todd's wife and older son work at the stadium and his younger kids were running around, so most of the family was present, though we never had everyone in one place at a time! Sadly, the Hawks lost 7-4 after tying the game in the bottom of the 8th, though we had left before the Hawks' last time at bat to get ready to travel early.


A penguin in Zoo Boise leaves its nest box and contemplates taking a swim to escape the 102-degree heat.


A captive American eagle, injured and incapable of surviving in the wild, appears to be contemplating its captive existence. Or maybe it's wondering when lunch will arrive.


This Bateleur eagle at the World Center for Birds of Prey is native to Africa and normally an energetic flyer, but the birds on display here are unable to live on their own.


Adam compares his "wing span" to that of some of the birds studied at the facility.


The Idaho State House sits in the middle of a park in downtown Boise. There is jasmine growing in the park, so despite the construction (and no matter what stinky laws may be passed within), it smells wonderful there.


Here is Boise Hawks General Manager Todd with his parents, Jean and Bob, as well as Paul and our kids.


The Boise Hawks' mascot, Humphrey, posed with kids as he made his way through the stands during the game.


The Hawks didn't win, but the stadium has a beautiful view of the mountains and the late summer sunsets.

Have a lovely Fourth of July, fellow US celebrants!