Sitting with stone,
Earth and oak
A canopy of birch
Above moss covered hallowed ground
A familiar scent
Sage burning
Smoke spiraling across my face
An old and mysterious rope
Weathered and lichen covered
Hanging from the out stretched arm of an ancient oak
Seven feet from where I sit
Just seven feet…
Looped and knotted
In the old ways of the Caledonia Highlands
A gentle wind
Quiet rhythmic movement
A ritual invocation
From distant realm
Out of the west now
It swings in my direction
And asks me questions
How shall I reply…
~Kedar S. Brown, Sept. 4, 2015
Inspired by a hike in the North West Highlands of Scotland.