SUMMER SOLSTICE

ALBAN HERUIN

I welcomed the Solstice sunrise

beside Oak of colossal height

until trunk and leaves, skin and hair

were bathed in golden light.

It illuminated the darker spots

within our living Souls

to leave us cleansed and free again

to fulfil our destined roles.

I sat down with my back against

the solid grainy bark,

and closed my eyes to meditate

to the warbling of skylark.

I felt the sap of this Forest King

rising up in me,

then my skin began to grow coarse and rough

while each arm sprouted branches three.

The veins in my hands became veins in my leaves

and I turned them to catch the Sun.

My roots anchored deep into the Earth.

Metamorphosis had begun.

I felt the currents of the land

coming alive with the summer tide.

My thoughts became more languid then,

and pushed trivial concerns aside.

From here, my awareness extended out

to commune with other trees

and I absorbed it all, the hurt the anger

toward humans - our greatest disease.

We're slaughtered to make their furniture,

build summer houses and sheds,

and then our remains are squashed to form

pretty edgings for their beds.

No memorial service is held for us

we're just tossed on an open fire,

and they never spare a thought for our pain

on this sacrificial pyre.

With fellow-feeling I was overwhelmed,

so the connection I had to break.

Then back once more in human form,

some action I had to take.

Ashamed of all we've inflicted on them,

such noble, yet defenceless friends,

I channelled the healing power of love

in an attempt to make amends.

 

I've learned a lot this Solstice Day

of the awareness of all living things,

and compassion has grown inside my heart.

This Druid has grown wings!