PILGRIMAGE

My trip to UK was a time filled with many emotions.Some because of new found exploration and freedom, as I had never traveled, and the death of a friend.Riding the train brough its moments.

One direction, South I travel, limited to the realm of rails.
Kaleidoscope fragments of light pierce through
my tears like broken glass. I press my face
against the window barrier. Vibrations throb,
metal against metal,
in the tickety-tack-clack of the train wheels.

tickety-tack-clack tickety-tack-clack
Metal against metal, sword against sword,
sword against shield, sword covered in blood.

Grainne's solar orb burns silver in the haze,
moving East to West, her constant eye on past and present.
Snapshots blink across the window, frame by frame,
flickers of green, grey, blue and brown.
Stone walls, and woolly hedgerows outline
fields of time and place, between the station stops.
This Land. Earth. She. Every cell of my being
has been of every part. Gentle curves belie
Truth buried with the bones and broken castles.

Ancient Ancient Ancient
Standing stones and groves,
Her jewels of spirit-time grace each curve of Her body,
each crevice, sensual in individual gifts.
Every breath of Her being, blessed by blood.
Blood? "I see no blood," you say.
The Ancient Ones try to speak with muted mouths,
mists rising and falling within the trees.
We learned nothing from these sacrifices.

tickety-tack-clack tickety-tack-clack
Metal against metal, sword against sword,
sword against shield, sword covered in blood.

5/29/2001
Rev. 3/26/2003
AniAshford

Reviews

[Sound]

Wow, this is incredibly amazing. I love the part about the picture frames because visually, riding in a train, that is exactly how the world would look. Quick frames like from a projection. Beautiful work that not only presents nature in all it's glory, but history as well. Truly amazing. Thanks for posting this

[Gaiamethod]

This is very beautiful and I can totally identify with the ancientness in this landscape. The bones of the Mother have been indeed drenched in the blood of battles fought over her but not for her.
Time for a change methinks!!
As women we are the representatives of the Goddess and it is up to us to make sure that these changes in idea and form are carried out. And I guess the ony way to do that is by honouring ourselves.
Beautiful heartfelt words. I particularly love:

"Grainne's solar orb burns silver in the haze,
moving East to West, her constant eye on past and present."

The combination of solar gold and silver... Beautiful.

[Ken Simm.]

Extremly evocative and erudite. Well written capturing the soul of the age and the interest you obviously have in it.

[Lorraine Pearson]

You've out done yourself on this one. Yes, lovely land, baptised in blood--war upon war, and you felt it! You really captured something here, and I feel very special to have shared with this spirit-aware experience. I bet you were like living "antennae" just picking up everything from centuries past...I can only imagine your face! Wonderful write my friend.
~Lorraiyne

[Micheal Teal]

Wonderful poem , it channels earth energies while taking the reader on a spirited journey of soul touching encounters. The vibrant landscape of your soul is reflected in the beauty of your words. I can see in my hearts mind images created within the body of this magnificent piece. Thank you.

[J.D. Pine]

I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy it. Great stuff. Very inspirational.

[V. K. Harris]

I could hear the clatter and feel the sway as the scenery flashes before me. Excellent write.

[Blackbirdsong]

You really make this journey come alive with your words and I felt as if I was there with you experiencing everything you've beautifully described.

[Phil Sanders]

Powerful writing again .. and very good imagery ....