One foot, another foot,
breathing peace, we walk
the labyrinth.
We have strayed from the Old Ways
of the People. Meditating
on the lip of the precipice,
what pathway will lead us
from the anthropocene maze?
At Fairy Creek, the elder speaks
of healing Mother Earth,
so all may live.
He points his eagle feather;
I follow where he leads.
One step, a leafy breath.
Another step, a human sigh.
Look up! Rainbows and eagles
are painting hope
across the sky.
This is a wonderful response to the challenge Sherry, thank you! It is fascinating that even at Fairy Creek you are walking the labyrinth. May the steps lead to new hope!
ReplyDeleteThe labyrinth above is outside the hospital in Port Alberni. The photos were taken on the day they celebrated opening it to the public.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! Have you walked it, Sherry?
DeleteRitual dances like this must inscribe something in the mind's path to soul, the imitation of daunting turns a figuration of coursing seasons and birth canals. Your dance here is so instructive, for it can be done as celebration, urgent though the time be.
ReplyDeleteThis poem is you - the one who is centered on hope. The last stanza perfectly exemplifies this. Love the poem and the photos.
ReplyDeleteI love the hopefulness of this. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLet there be hope!
ReplyDeleteOh My, That last stanza is amazing. May we have more visions of hope for this weary earth. I am always trying to breathe peace.
ReplyDeletebless you my friend.
What lovely rainbow images - Suzanne - Mapping Uncertainty
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reflections, Sherry. I think labyrinths are power amplifiers that can be put to good use.
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ReplyDeleteLike the eagles painting hope oin rainbows across the sky...lovely image of optimism
ReplyDeleteThe labyrinth dance should be liberating, like this one. Such a shame the Minotaur myth used it as a prison.
ReplyDeleteThis is just beautiful Sherry. So uplifting and inspiring. So precious to celebrate our intimate and essential connection to the natural world, of which, we are just a part. I write piece after piece about it. Such logical and core wisdom. Will modern humans learn — we damned well better… and soon! This is so well written my friend!
ReplyDeleteA wise and rich poem, Sherry. We all need an eagle feather to follow these days.
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