“The sunball was out of sight, and long shadows lay like deep black furrows in the hollow as they footed the last half-mile of the trail and came in sight of home.“
—Justus – “Bluebird”
I’ve never heard anyone call the sun a sun ball, but that big ole ball up in the sky sure has been shining hotly in Brasstown this week.
I like the quote from Justus. I always feel overwhelmed with gratitude when home comes in sight, makes no difference if I’m walking up the hill from Granny’s or if I’m driving up the hill after being gone a trip. Home always makes me feel lighter and brighter.
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I love being home too. It’s great to go and visit loved ones or see new places – I truly enjoy both, but when it’s time to go home, I’m like a barn soured horse!
As long as Home is in sight,with the natural eye or with an eye of faith, thats enough to keep me traveling till I get there. Home is where peace, comfort, and rest is waiting.
Actually long shadows, as described in the passage, are quite uncommon in the hollers (hollows) where I once roamed. The fiery orb that rules the day most often descends below the ridgeline while at such an angle that is is not conducive to long shadders (shadows). Only on long flat planes, such as river bottoms, and on mountaintops do they appear and even then in optimal conditions.
Having never experienced what the author saw I cannot deny its validity. However, I suspect Ms. Justus (I presume) has employed a bit of poetic license here.
There’s gotta be something in our psyche that causes us to head to home, “safe harbor,” family and to where we belong. I think most of us can identify with that feeling. I know I do, but I don’t always see that “big red ball.” Perhaps I’m just going in the wrong direction!
Ever think of how many gospel songs refer to heaven as home and then wonder, “How can home be a place we’ve never been? And how can you and I be so sure it is?” Such thoughts immediately leave the merely physical behind. But they also tell us our meaning of ” home” goes far beyond the physical. No wonder it is such a hard idea to pin down. I-m not altogether sure we even can.
Who ‘s —Justus – “Bluebird” ?
EJ-Bluebird is a book written by Justus 🙂
I’ve heard it called sunball all my life. It has been looking and feeling more like a fireball lately as it blazes down on us here at my Home Sweet Home.
I am grateful for home, so very grateful. For too many years I worked so many hours that my greatest pleasure was to be home. I wonder if I would have felt that way if I had not worked long hours and been home all the time. When it starts getting dark home is my castle.
There’s no place like home period (wherever it’s at.) Visiting is fine but getting home is better. Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!!!
“It’s good to go and it’s better to get home”. I don’t remember when or where I first heard that but it certainly holds true for me. There is always a feeling of relief to get home after being on vacation or returning from the grocery store! Yes, lighter and brighter!
Home represents a lot, like safety, security, familiarity, family..even if it’s just a cat!
Can you have a home without a cat? Lol. I love cats! I enjoy reading your delightful comments, Miss Cindy!
Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz had it right, “There’s no place like home.”
Brought to mind, “Home is where the heart is”.
Sun ball is a good descriptor. I have heard the sun referred to as “old Sol”. I wondered if you ever heard that
Marsha Lynn-I’ve never heard that before-thank you for sharing it 🙂
Marsha,
I do not remember ever hearing that particular name for the sun.
I think Ray Charles sang something like, “Like that lucky ole sun, let me roll around Heaven all day”.