Joyful Aspen

I wrote this poem when I was a Bard to celebrate the Autumn Equinox, also called Mabon or Alban Elfed.

For those familiar with the symbolism and traditions of Druid practice, it’s interesting to note that I wrote this well before I was introduced to the concepts in my training. It was pure gift of Awen. /|\

A recording of my recitation of the poem is available at the end of this post.

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To escape my troubles and be alone

I went for a walk in a woodland unknown.

Unfamiliar the land and dark the track

I moved forward, unsure if I’d ever come back.

Out the corner of my eye, something looked like a door

“What in this world could that even be for?”

I walked up the bank for a better look

Entwined in ivy was an oak door carved like a book.

On its surface were marks and strange symbols galore

Slashes, lines and dashes and little more.

At the end of one line was a silver ring

I gave a slight tug and it started to sing.

Green light, like lightning, raced up my arm.

The door opened and I looked in, prepared for harm.

Braced for dangerous things to appear

I felt a gentle, warm breeze and heard water near.

Crossing over the doorstep, I looked down…my stride broke.

I was now wearing a tunic and a sky-blue wool cloak.

I felt different, stronger; not quite like me.

I thought, ‘let’s keep moving and see what we see.’

Entering a meadow with wildflowers about

The sweet fragrance of blossoms drawing bees out to scout.

Walking further, a bramble hedge; tenacious in growth

Pausing only a moment, I leapt over was scratched and uttered an oath.

The next field was grape heavy, the harvest just started

As I walked on further, my mental cloud parted.

A wall of sage was now protecting the way

With my focused intention from my path it did sway.

Hiking further and further for what seemed like days

Finally, I arrived at a shimmering haze.

I found a golden Hazel tree laden with nuts.

The ground was strewn with shells full of fresh cuts.

I was hungry from wandering and the food appeared free

So I ate a hazelnut – since no one would see.

I remembered a warning about eating in dreams

But this is real, I think, or so it seems.

My head spun, heart surged, and muscles throbbed

Was it the tree getting back for being robbed?

“Go further my Son” I heard in my head.

I walked on and, suddenly, the whole world went red.

Within a rose-colored glow stood a Lady fair

That incredible light shining from her scarlet hair.

Beautifully curved, dressed in lavender and green

She wore plants like jewels; something I’d never seen.

What struck me most was the grief clear in her eyes.

 “My child is lost, please find him before he dies!”

Not one for heroics, but still yearning to serve

“My Lady, I’ll find him.” (If I can just find the nerve.)

What is your name, should I need to call you?

“My name is Modron, but that you already knew.”

It was the need of another that drove me to action.

My own wants and desires don’t have that same traction.

‘Twas the third week of September when I entered that door

Here orange and maroon now dotted the floor.

The day and the night are of equal time

Journeying further, now with purpose, I did climb.

The ground sloped upward hard with almost no stop

With clouds near and air dry as I reached the top.

As dusk approached, I looked to the sky

Circling above, I watched a large blackbird fly.

It spiraled down fast towards me landing at my feet

Spreading his wings quite fully, it did chatter sweet.

It appeared to be pointing one wing in each way

One way up a path; the other to a gateway.

I chose “the road less travelled” and entered the gate

Not knowing the next moment would determine my fate.

Going through the gate all became quiet and still

Only a few yards away stood a stag on a hill.

The stag’s antlers were horned three-by-three on each side.

He too bore a star, five points his fur could not hide.

Approaching me quickly he grew four times in size

And as it neared, I saw roaring flames in its eyes.

It took to two legs and formed the shape of a man

Still horned, he approached and put out his hand.

I thought to run but instead held my ground.

Looking into his eyes, I felt purified and profound.

He smiled and took my hand in a warm, firm grip,

We’re friends now my brother, please continue your trip.”

Moving past him, I found another clearing

Though tired and drained, I trod on with night quickly nearing.

A white owl flew past dropping a pebble in my boot

I bent over and pulled out a black pearl with some soot.

Gently polishing the pearl on my cloak dyed in woad

The surface became mirrored and nearly glowed.

In that sphere, I could see my reflection clearly.

I thought “That treasure you hold must be treated dearly.”

Yearning to lay down, I found a yew tree

Sleep quickly overtook me and a vision I did see.

An eagle I became, soaring through the night air

I felt a sense of renewal and courage and dare.

Awaking at morning I was ready for what came

My time as an eagle had restored my inner flame.

That child is still lost and must be found.

Modron’s child must be returned so I covered more ground.

Later, entering a grove, I came upon a well.

Propping my arms on the edge, I rested a spell.

The sun glittered inside with an odd jewel like tone.

I thought, rubies or carnelians? But it was a salmon, all alone.

Up to the surface, he erupted with a splash.

A few drops touched my lips, and all became clear in a flash.

The wisdom he just shared showed the error of my thinking.

I stumbled and swooned and started blinking.

The lost child I’ve been seeking was not Modron’s, but me.

I was lost but, in this journey, found a truer way to be.

With this thought still in mind, Lady Modron appeared.

“You’ve gained much in your journey. It was challenging as feared.

My lost child has been found. It was you, that is true.

Here is my gift to reward you on your new breakthrough.”

A staff she handed me, encrusted in gems.

Amber and amethyst wrapped in platinum stems.

“Keep this near to remind you of what you have learned.

Your strength comes from within and your success is well earned.

Challenges come neither from me, nor some ivory tower.

You create them yourself when you doubt your own power.”

“I am grateful My Lady for the lesson you have taught.

That gift is precious, cherished and could never be bought.”

 “I’m here forever, at this balance of day and night.”

Said the Lady, fading to a single point of light.

With a gentle pop, the light extinguished and closed.

In that moment I awoke where at home I had dozed.

That dream (or was it) was a message clear

A Bard’s training gives insight both noble and dear.