Tag Archives: Hawk Tower

California’s central coast has long been a source of inspiration for the creative minds and spirits that have called this stretch of coastline home. The rich tradition of authors, artists, and photographers has become an indelible part of the landscape here. For me, Tor House, the home of poet, Robinson Jeffers, along with Hawk Tower,  are not only testaments to Jeffers talent and vision, but to the dramatic beauty of the area. Jeffers arrived in Carmel with his wife Una in 1914 and together they transformed the windswept land atop a rocky cliff to create a home that was in harmony with the wilderness that surrounded them- the steep granite cliffs, the relentless surf, and the stealth beauty of hawks in flight. Jeffers apprenticed himself to a stone mason and built Tor House and Hawk Tower by hand along with planting some two thousand trees. The close affinity he felt to stone and the natural world shaped his writing and helped cultivate his poetic voice. Also influencing his work were the brutality of the times with two World Wars and man’s cruel disregard for life. His poetry explored the cycles of life, the power of nature and the totality of human experience. His writing was prophetic and captured his mystical relationship with the land:

“If you should look for this place after a handful of lifetimes:

Perhaps of my planted forest a few

May stand yet, dark leafed Australians or the coast cypress…..

Look for foundations of sea worn granite, my fingers had the art

to make stone love stone, you will find some remnant.”

-Robinson Jeffers

Tor House

The day we visited Tor House we were greeted by cold winds blowing in from the coast. The grey skies overhead, however, did not diminish the beauty of the buildings or the grounds. The clouds mirrored the color of the granite stones Jeffers used to construct his home and tower. The weather seemed in harmony with the surroundings and I could feel the creative energy and passion that must’ve been poured into each stone that was laid and each tree, flower and bush that was planted. Jeffers found creative inspiration through physical activity and tending to the land. The experience left me inspired to create a similar balance in my own life; to not only develop my voice as a writer, but to connect more closely with the earth.

The docent who led our tour said that people who come to visit Tor House are drawn here and often discover a connection to the place. Besides the obvious connection of a shared love of poetry, I realized there was something else pulling me there- the Hawk. Jeffers designed Hawk Tower as a sacred space for his wife, Una, who played a dynamic role in his life and work. He held a reverent regard for the hawk, which figured prominently in his writing. I too feel a special connection with this beautiful bird. Throughout my stay in California I would look up in the sky and find a hawk soaring in the sky nearby.   Even before this vacation, I have had times in my life over the past two years when I may have been feeling stressed or anxious and I have looked up to see either a single hawk or, in rare instances, two or three circling overhead. There is something about this bird’s powerful presence that has a calming effect for me, almost as if I have been visited by a guardian angel.  Jeffers’ deep regard for wildlife and the natural world mirrors my own belief that when we spend time in nature we are standing on sacred ground.

My experience visiting Robinson Jeffers’ home left me even more inspired to not only write, but to live in a more mindful place.  During the tour, the docent read aloud selections of his poetry that captured his relationship to the earth, his home and with his family; providing a more intimate glimpse into his life. If you love writing, learning about local history or just enjoying a beautiful setting, then a visit to Tor House will not leave you disappointed.  Reservations are recommended because tours can fill up quickly depending upon the time of year.  Visit the following link to learn more: http://www.torhouse.org/tours.htm.

Regardless of where you call home or what your vocation might be, my hope and prayer is that you are safe and able to enjoy the beauty that surrounds you- whether it’s on a balcony overlooking the city, a hiking trail near your home, or in the privacy of your own backyard.  May your creative spirit be inspired as well.  Wishing you a blessed end to your week and the promise of a safe and peaceful week ahead.

Sincerely,

Sheryl Brooks