nature

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Litany of the Bones

callanish-standing-stones_tcm12-28013

Herein lie the bones of my ancestors
Even as this body grows old and changes with time.

Herein lie the bones of my ancestors
Their bones are my structure, my support and keep me going

Herein lie the bones of my ancestors
While these bones may restrict me, I choose to be flexible

Herein lie the bones of my ancestors
Their bones strengthen me and their strength becomes my own

Herein lie the bones of my ancestors
Their bones are with me still and I bless the gift.

Deanne Quarrie 2009

This poem or litany was prompted by a friend’s message on a YahooGroup when she spoke about Obon, the Japanese festival honoring the ancestors.

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Her Breath

I am a child of the Earth.
I live and breathe, walk and dance upon Her face.
She is my source and I learn from Her each day. This I know…
Life begins in the dark as Desire.
Deep in that dark place life begins to form, taking root and becoming…..

As life stirs…… deep in the Mother’s Belly,
there is a gentle quickening, movement
that alerts us to a “knowing”
of the presence of something yet to come.

As the Earth prepares Herself with warmth,
the rains and waters come and flood the land,
nourishing the soil in which She is creating new life.

Earth and Water and Fire
come together and Form continues to take shape.

One last thing is needed.
Just as new form emerges,
She breathes Air upon it.
Her Breath, giving Life to all that She has nurtured.

Earth and Water and Fire and Air

Her Breath ~ https://herbreath.com

breathing life into all, we open to Her gift ~ a partnership in co-creating all that you can be ~
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A Change in the Air

Lying in the cool, green grass, I feel it thick beneath me.
I gaze at the clouds in the sky and my mind wanders,
drifting out to times remembered and times yet to come.
I feel close to the Earth, immanently connected and
embraced by the unknown universe above.

I have sought to learn the secrets of both
and the more I think I know
the more I realize how much there is yet to learn.
They keep their secrets guarded from inquisitive minds
giving a bit at a time, just enough to tempt
a hungry mind to search for more.

I remember when I used to take a nice thick blade of grass
between my two thumbs and raise it to my lips
squealing  a sound out into the wind.
I try it now and there it is,
that old familiar sound still there, even now.

I see the geese flying overhead
the cool air of autumn blew in on the wind today.
They are honking their way south.
As I think about this time of calm and stillness
summer’s end and just now feeling the change
moving toward winter, but first a time to watch
all the colors change from green to yellows and browns.

Trees know that it is time to rest and close down.
A time to prepare for the inward journey of the dark.
I think I’ll lie here in the grass for a while longer
taking in the autumn day and feeling the Earth
rich and warm beneath me while my mind wanders
with pleasant thoughts that drift
and spiral with no purpose but to just be.

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Old Tattooed Woman

031 Old Woman, you stand with your feet at the water’s edge,
Your old skin gnarled and rough,
With heavy thighs marked by signs that people left.
What was their need that they left their names
And jagged hearts for me to see?

It must have been hard for you
Feeling the sharp point of the knife
Making cuts on your skin.
But in your most holy sacred place
You embraced their gifts and made them a part of you.

Arm Old Tattooed Woman, your bark
Holds memories of those who were here before me
Their names marking your skin.
See? Your arms are wide and strong
Offering shade for those held in your embrace.

I wish to be like you and take in what hurts
And weather the pain by toughening up
Like you, I will be made strong by life’s pointed edges,
Made wiser by honoring what is,
And made holy by embracing what comes.

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Ancient One

tree_of_lifeAncient One,
your roots hold fast to the Earth drawing strength.

Your white hair
shimmers against the sun and speaks to me of wisdom.

Ancient One,
you rise through granite, claiming this space, standing ground.

Your gnarled branches reach out
across the rocks
holding Her close to you.

Old Wise One,
If I lay in your arms
will I be one with you?

Ancient One,
if I rest curled in your roots,
will I know wisdom too?

Ancient One,
for just this moment,
may I be with you?