Category: Wheel of the Year

At Winter’s End ~ Redwing Blackbirds Return

The beast of winter eased her need and retreated a day enough to let in a thaw. While airing blankets and filling suet cages, I thought I heard the cackle of red-wing blackbird. Everything I know became you. Hail, the first pilgrim to return to this humble garden.

“You were only waiting for this moment to arrive.”

Hope started to rise, but along the walk at Coys Brook, there was only ice and a stiff wind. If only Gluscabe[ii] could forgive us our trespasses. How I miss his starlight. He would tame winter. But, he is long gone to the North East Kingdom of the Abenaqui forever entombed. It is hopeless.

The March winds are sure to rise now and chase the Northern witch back to her lair. She is spun closer and closer to the ebb. I will watch the birds and pray for the gold plumage of the wee finch. Red-Wing Blackbird. Surely you are most welcome here.

[i] “Black Bird” by Lennon and McCartney

[ii] Gluscabe is a Native American folk hero of the Abenaqui Nation. His legend is known and shared among tribes in the North East. He is most associated with Grandmother Woodchuck and part of the tribal creation myth. A Google search of James Bruchac is recommended.

Mattina ~ Solstice Greetings

Winter Solstice

M’illumino d’immenso.

Ungaretti

What does this mean in English? From the Italian Poet Ungaretti.

The translation is the morning illuminated by the brilliance of a thousand stars.

We are already deep in winter’s cold and ice here in New England. The trees are quiet. The birds scurry and peck for seeds. The animal tracks in the snow speak of the restless hunt for comfort. Persephone has retreated to the underworld. We must accept things as they are. The sun rises and renews us each day. Perhaps the poem means simply; A brilliant morning like no other.

It’s a pictorial in written form, something not to be described, only taken in.

Solstice Greetings