Fellow traveler,
across the charred landscape
of our broken dreams,
I bid you safe passage,
(a safe journey, a safe return,)
a door open wide
on arrival to shelter you,
cool water to drink,
sustenance
and rest.
Apocalyptic skies,
falling embers,
blowing flames,
have overtaken the road
most traveled.
See the burned-out cars
alongside the road.
See the creatures
with burned paws and hooves
limping beside us,
dead-eyed and stricken,
innocent victims of human folly.
Where are we going?
Forward, only forward
into whatever comes next.
I can only offer a blessing
for your travels.
(A safe journey, a safe return.)
May all beings find
a place of safety in which
to weather the storms ahead.
May all beings find
that welcoming door.
(A safe journey, a safe return.)
Sigh. For Brendan's wonderful topic at earthweal: TRUTH IN A WORLD ON FIRE
Such a warm blessing and all we can offer to our fellow creatures on this earth. We are surrounded by tragedy, and I feel it keenly as I know you do.
ReplyDelete"May all beings find
ReplyDeletethat welcoming door.". Bless you, Sherry. In these days we are learning we are animals covered in stuff . . . I hope we'll welcome those who gave up or lost their stuff or never needed it in the natural world. Thank you for your poem.
I feel for you living through these terrible fires. As an Australian I know what you write of only too well. It is a terrible, fearful time when fire rages all around and turns the sky orange. I hope you get a massive deluge of rain soon, very soon. It is the only thing that stops these infernos. Suzanne - Mapping Uncertainty
ReplyDeleteThis is eyes wide open, fully aware of the immensity of damage and yet offering hope and sanctum. This poem is essentially the poet's work these days, Sherry ...
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful offering refuge and kindness - not despite the current situation but because of it. A gentle invocation/invitation for the journey ahead.
ReplyDeleteThis a truly a wondrous poem, I especially was taken by the opening verse. You truly see my friend what other's cannot.
ReplyDelete