ashes & birch

rising from the ashes
the birch song can be heard
on the wind as it winds its way
through leaves and trees
still standing after the fires
took their rage
and spilled it on the land.
the sound of wings overhead
as birds fly beyond the eye of the storm.
rising rising rising.
gentle overtones of melodies
amongst the living and the newly dead.
death and rebirth
will continue to flourish -
cycles never ending
only changing and shifting
and drifting down gullies
as streams and rivers
run wild over rocks and stones
and pebbles and gold.
the birch song takes hold
in the hearts of those who walk
softly and gently upon the earth -
and those too who dance fervently
and with abandon of inhibitions.
we can visit those who have gone beyond
by opening to the knowing
of all and none,
of one and all,
of energy that never leaves,
never ceases to exist.
deep drumming and thrumming
resonating beneath the dirt
below our feet -
roots tangled with the wild abandon
of the call of the soul
as it dances and dreams -
whirling and spinning -
opening to give and to receive -
unlearning to believe again. ​