Approach the gate as a pilgrim, a seeker,
wear sturdy boots for walking,
go cloaked and hooded against the wind,
blackthorn staff and lantern in hand,
an abundance of candles in your pack
for the long journey ahead.
Bring gifts and offerings for those who
dwell beyond the ancient gate, bundles
of sage, clear water, kindling, earth and salt,
bring flasks of tea, incense and bread,
bring tales and laughter to share around the fire
with those you will meet along the way.
Travel lightly and make your journey by the moon,
taking the owls, true kindred, as your
fierce and tender companions, feel
their breath along your own wings, share
their dark and watchful wisdom as you flow.
Let the song you sing as you are questing
be your own sweet music, and the stories
you spin by the fire in the nights ahead
be the narratives of your own wild and shining life,
this journey you are making into an unknown land.
Listen to the night and be content, for you are not alone —
around you is a vast and singing throng,
the very stars are singing with you as you go.
© Catherine Kerr 2006
wear sturdy boots for walking,
go cloaked and hooded against the wind,
blackthorn staff and lantern in hand,
an abundance of candles in your pack
for the long journey ahead.
Bring gifts and offerings for those who
dwell beyond the ancient gate, bundles
of sage, clear water, kindling, earth and salt,
bring flasks of tea, incense and bread,
bring tales and laughter to share around the fire
with those you will meet along the way.
Travel lightly and make your journey by the moon,
taking the owls, true kindred, as your
fierce and tender companions, feel
their breath along your own wings, share
their dark and watchful wisdom as you flow.
Let the song you sing as you are questing
be your own sweet music, and the stories
you spin by the fire in the nights ahead
be the narratives of your own wild and shining life,
this journey you are making into an unknown land.
Listen to the night and be content, for you are not alone —
around you is a vast and singing throng,
the very stars are singing with you as you go.
© Catherine Kerr 2006
4 comments:
This is marvellous! Those last three lines... Stunning. Thank you. I'll be coming back to this again, I think.
I am ready to leave... Just give me a moment to grab my cloak, lantern and staff....
I have absolutely no idea where the poem came from - it emerged in the wee hours of the morning just as I have written it down here, and seldom has the muse communicated as clearly as she did that night. It is lovely to have you both along on this splendid journey.
I love this. Will copy and paste it into my private journal to read again and again along the journey.
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