I am crossing
a land of elm and ash
littered with bones,
a scarf across my chest
like a golden sash.
A black bird circles
against blue sky,
pointing her wing
into the forest dark and deep.
(Until that moment,
I had been asleep.
When Raven points
her feathery wing,
listen closely to
the message she will bring.)
On a quaking limb,
rests a prodigious egg
in a woven nest.
I hear it crack,
and then my quest
is blessed.
A hundred small birds fly up
into the sky, and I
am granted the gift of Wonder
and put it in my pack.
I am on my journey now
and there is no
turning back.
I enjoyed this story so much, Sherry, and, oh, I love the idea of being granted the gift of Wonder! That is a very special gift indeed!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of Tennyson's "Crossing the Bar." Yours here is a gorgeous poem, fearless and accepting, and unmistakably joyful in its way. A quietly anthemic poem, Sherry, full of hard-bought wisdom and a sense of peace.
ReplyDeletefilled with wonder and wisdom, Sherry ~
ReplyDeleteFrom the land littered with bones to the wonder of new birth...a crossing of hope and spirit..beautiful, Sherry...and flows so easily, can't believe you crafted it for a wordlist.
ReplyDeleteThe word egg was the catalyst. Smiles.
DeleteI am glad you are gifted with the sight of new flight - and a wise conclusion which echoes your soul - Jae
ReplyDeleteVery cool and mystic Sherry.
ReplyDeleteA dream poem that brings a message and a gift. This is really amazing.
ReplyDeleteWhat would we do, Sherry, without the gift of wonder that nature revives in us?! Your poem is a fresh invocation of that gift and the Giver.
ReplyDelete[ Until that moment I had been asleep ] I know it's there for all to read but I had to smile a bit ... you are one of the most PRESENT ladies I know. A great poem Sherry that resonates. Thanks so much for leaving a comment for me.
ReplyDeleteA hard fought peace and at great cost. Fare it well.
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous, Sherry. It hits just the right tone.
ReplyDelete"A hundred small birds fly up
ReplyDeleteinto the sky, and I
am granted the gift of Wonder" - Yes, so clear in this poem!
I needed this mystic bit of joy this morning. Thank you
ReplyDelete