Into the lush night
of a waxing moon
rich with silence
I walk with certainty.
The well of earth opens
and down I go
to the caverns of peace.
Surrendering my shield
I stand beside ancients
and in the undisturbed
wisdom lights the stars.
I find myself
a glimmer in Her eyes,
a spark in His fire
and from Their cradle
return to the dark night,
witness to Their love.
photograph by Louis MacKenzie
Reading of “From Cradle Return” with music by Nanci Griffith
from this womb—wonder upon wonder born anew. exquisite Don
“.. from the undisturbed” wisdom lighted the stars … etc. How important it is for me to enter that space deliberately each day, for a lengthy moment. Absolutely loved this. Thank you!
This poem sublimely described my own soul experience as I followed the waxing and waning moon recently on my Kaanapali beach sunrise walks in Maui or watched the full moon rise above the West Maui mountains from our condo. Magical moments of stillness and serenity surrounded by the heart throbbing pounding of the surf and animated birdsong as light began to dispel the night sky and brilliant stars you can almost touch.
Ah, yes.surrendering sword and shield…to become defenseless…and allow Spirit to work its magic in expression…..
Don, I treated myself to re-reading this invocation in present tense—very powerful 🙏
A true heroes journey. A Shamanic journey relinquishing fear and aggression coming into the presence of true mother and father, revealing the creative process, born again. Thank you, Don.
Don, this is thoughtful and calm. Simple at first glance, it does what good poems do: turns deep. Thank you.
Harmony is better than proving points I’ve come to learn🙏🏼
Don, your friend has a good ear. The present tense adds power. I think the present tense displays confidence.
Don, your poems have such healing power and wisdom. I appreciate your willingness to share your heart in this way.
Magnificent casting, Don—powerful & potent, bringing tears to my eyes, rejoicing in my heart…
Don, I think the first person works great–up until:
from the undisturbed
wisdom lights the stars,
births all creatures.
which I feel is grammatically confusing.
Do you mean:
“From the Undisturbed, wisdom lights the stars [and] births all creatures.”
or do you mean something along the lines of:
“undisturbed wisdom lights the stars [and] births all creatures.”
in which case “from the” doesn’t make sense. Not to nerd out, but the problem is that “from” is a preposition, and I can’t tell if the direct object is undisturbed, wisdom, lights, or stars.
My annoying two bits!
present tense is perfect; and it is so for me too, as Stan says: “Magnificent casting, Don—powerful & potent, bringing tears to my eyes, rejoicing in my heart…” db
Rich with wisdom that lights the stars…………..Magnificent, thank you!