Thank you to Cate at: http://www.beyondthefieldsweknow.org/ for the following poem:
Approach the gate as a pilgrim, a seeker,
wear sturdy boots for walking,
go cloaked and hooded against the wind,
blackthorn staff and lantern in hand,
an abundance of candles in your pack
for the long journey ahead.
Bring gifts and offerings for those who
dwell beyond the ancient gate, bundles
of sage, clear water, kindling, earth and salt,
bring flasks of tea, incense and bread,
bring tales and laughter to share around the fire
with those you will meet along the way.
Travel lightly and make your journey by the moon,
taking the owls, true kindred, as your
fierce and tender companions, feel
their breath along your own wings, share
their dark and mindful wisdom as you flow.
Let the song you sing as you are questing
be your own sweet music, and the stories
you spin by the fire in the nights ahead
be the narratives of your own wild and shining life,
this journey you are making into an unknown land.
Listen to the night and be content, for you are not alone —
around you is a vast and singing throng,
the very stars are singing with you as you go.
Painting: At the Gate. 11″ x 15″. acrylic on paper. by clinock.
Beautiful journey to the “unknown land”, John…
🙂
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Thank you Marina…
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yes we are singing with the stars
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I’m with you there…
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the stars are singing louder and louder !
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beautiful color !
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Gracias Isabella…
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Wonderful art to go with the poem John. Thanks for sharing both. I’ll have to check out Cate’s website.
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Appreciate your reply Terry…
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I like the friendly quester!
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Philippa, I know, I know. Given the context of the title and the poem ‘The Quester’ is almost too cute. Originally, sans title etc, it was simply an exploration into form and complementary colour. Then I became hooked into narrative – I’m thinking perhaps I should just have left it to be what it was…
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No, I think this is a heartening theme and application for this work. I like the way the gate dissolves a little under the gaze.
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Enough dissolve to enter?
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yes, with faltering gait.
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Har de har – so there’s a punster side to Ms. P…
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Beautiful poem and amazing art to go with it. Thank you for sharing this.
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Again, thank you. I can’t take credit for Cate’s poem but do appreciate you liking my painting – this means a lot to me…
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Always, always opne that gate and go through..
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A sometimes scary but exciting adventure – who knows what waits on the other side…
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That is amazing, like a kind of credo for me.
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I thank you and greatly appreciate your kind words
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