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Awakening to the Red Road: An Ecopoetic Odyssey 'Part 6 of 6'

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Sacred Earths Tiny Dancer

I want to personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming on this ecocentric poetic journey with me. And yet, we recognize that a single question is still hanging in the air. What wisdom can we honestly and proactively glean from the scars we've overtly and inadvertently made? So..... Now, one last time, let's take the final steps as we explore the transformative power of the Red Road, a place for all to enjoy, present and future.

Blessings,

Daniel Henry Rodgers

"Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children." - Chief Seattle

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Sacred Earths Tiny Dancer Arise, My Beloved! I say, Arise, My Love! For you are a Sacred Dancer In the Great Spirit's grand and glorious ceremony— A hallowed space where Ancient mountains spirited stories in stone. Valleys cradle the songs of hidden streams, Their banks are a living topiary of green medicine. Autumn leaves are like eagle feathers of the seasons Twirl against branches, Dreaming of starlit nights. A dove, Sky Father's own messenger Surveys Mother Earth with eyes of living light. Listen! The breath of wind carries ancestral songs- Melodies of moss and mycelium threads. Dawn breaks like the first fire of creation As crickets drum the rhythms of dew-kissed morns. We are Stardust - We are Golden... Guardians ethereal as spirit mists Caretakers of this sacred living circle. Ancient oaks and their rings a record of moons Stand watch over clearings of crystallized memories. Feel the heartbeat of Earth Mother beneath moccasined feet Where tiny creatures dance with stones in underground councils. Now, my companion, breathe! Oh, so deeply... Can you smell it? For such is the sacred Fragrance of Life: The smoke of pine and petrichor— Nature's own smudge burning in the world's heart. Our legacy is now aligned in The Web of Life and Transformation Gently rippling through the Great Circle Like unseen ripples on still waters. Seek out in nature's living network Until we find the sacred herbs on the hill Our special medicine ground… A delicate balance of soil and soul. Heed the wisdom whirling, swirling by the Four Winds Of cycles unbroken from quark to thunderbird. In rivers' songs and tidal rhythms The story of our cosmic kinship swells. With reverence … we step into our sacred role Nurturing this world - our shared lodge. For we are not conquerors! But relatives so brief. In this living menagerie of root and leaf. Our sacred duty is clear as sunlight through eagle feathers / To heal and protect this living circle. Pass on this haven a sustainable legacy To children whose songs are yet unsung. In each raindrop is like a tiny universe In every breeze carrying ancestors' wisdom In the steadfast strength of Trees that cleanse the sky We find reflections of our fleeting selves / Keepers of nature's sacred records. So, let us walk in harmony with all relations Protectors united across the Sacred Hoop of time. For in nature's embrace - we come to see The Great Spirit's love sets all beings free. Simply Put... Our sacred duty is clear - To protect and cherish, and Strive to leave nature in perfect balance For the next seven generations To experience and, Yes, to bless and caress— Lest all be lost when the circle is broken. For the Great Spirit our God so Loved the World…

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Duke Beaufort

Date: 7/25/2024 8:11:00 AM

Daniel, you are very wise. With the environmental and economic goals at odds in our culture, it's good to step back and try to understand what is at risk. Hopefully, we (with help from our scientists, economists, and political leaders will figure out how to align both forces. Then the wisdom you write about and that of chief Seattle will flourish. That would truly be a wonderful albeit difficult development.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/26/2024 6:20:00 AM

Hello Duke, I have been blessed by all your recent comments, and I enjoy your wisdom and thoughts. I want to see our societies of the world take an active role in the preservation of our Earth for all future generations to enjoy. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tonye George

Date: 7/17/2024 12:57:00 AM

Lovely quote, I have never thought of it that way and I'll ponder about it with my reservations. You have done marvellously well with this lovely series dear Daniel and it's been a great journey to ride with you. You have shown care and love to the things that matter, to our health, to Mother Earth. It's a prompt to continuously feed and treat what aids our lives. The cycle goes on and we feed the earth, in turn, they feed us and from us. This is an awareness that needs to spread. Cheers.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/26/2024 6:18:00 AM

Dear Tonye, I am so very grateful that you came a long on this journey. I am somewhat sad the series had ended but I feel that I was able to portray what is happening in our world and what the world needs to do to protect our environment. Thank you so much! - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Ink Empress

Date: 7/15/2024 4:31:00 AM

Dear daniel, this is so soul warming and beautiful how youv expressed your thoughts here. Somtimes i wish for a world that would want to stand together in unity too to heal and protect the cycle of nature to which we must always be grateful for. The way you’ve used metaphors and also poetic techniques with exquisite diction is why this one deserves not only a fave but all the accolades! I love every line in this and it’s uplifting and also shows how you are an empathetic soul that feels for all. I especially felt the lines “ In each raindrop is like a tiny universe In every breeze carrying ancestors' wisdom” how true and moving! “ Can you smell it? For such is the sacred Fragrance of Life” now as i step outside, ill be reminded to surely take a long deep breath and think of this poem about nature to be mindful and to be kind to not just people but also all creations ..i just love this! Fave!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/26/2024 6:16:00 AM

Dear Empress, Thank you for your kind loving words. It always means a lot that you found it to be beautiful. I too share your wish for unity and healing in the world, if at all possible. I believe that those lines you highlighted are favorites of mine too reminding us of life's interconnectedness. I most loved your intention to step outside, breathe deeply, and be mindful of nature after reading the poem, which is exactly what I hoped for. I always pray that kindness be extended to all creations. I am so thankful for your support and reflections. Empress, today your words have uplifted me, and I'm grateful for your friendship and encouragement. - Blessings, My Dear Friend

Paige Hind

Date: 7/11/2024 9:45:00 AM

'Nature's own smudge burning in the world's heart' so powerful and breathtaking- the poem was spectacular...enjoyed reading

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/12/2024 5:10:00 AM

Dear Paige, Yeah, I have another friend who is lover of all creation. Thanks so much for coming, visiting, and journeying on the Red Road. - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Valsa George

Date: 7/10/2024 9:04:00 PM

I have been walking the Red Road all along with you. Never I felt a moment's drudgery or exhaustion! On the other hand it was so rewarding and enchanting. The final stop has been the best. I feel so rejuvenated and enlightened. This earth is so beautiful where "Valleys cradle the songs of hidden streams, where Ancient oaks, stand watch over clearings of crystallized memories and where in rivers' songs and tidal rhythms, we hear the story of our cosmic kinship." We are caretakers of this sacred living circle. Here we have "to establish a balance of soul and soil" ( I liked it so much) as earth is our 'shared lodge'. So keep it neat and tidy to be handed over to coming generations. Hats off to Daniel, the author of this exquisite poem series.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/11/2024 6:17:00 AM

Dear Valsa, Thank you for walking by my side on this Red Road Odyssey. I am somewhat sad that the journey for this path has come to an end, but just like the poet of old said, when they come to the crossroads of the next journey, they choose the path least traveled. What made this path so wonderful for me is that I have great friends like you who care about the topic and also the message that is being conveyed. Thank you Valsa for being that for me. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya

Date: 7/10/2024 2:19:00 PM

:Lest all be lost when the circle is broken. For the Great Spirit our God so Loved the World…" this alone had me ungripped, teared up. Daniel as you know, there is no other pleasure greater that I respect more than yours and mine advocacies on Mother Earth's devastation. Yours Daniel of a true masterful poet. Everything, every line tears me apart, how compassionate, passionate you are. To our sacred duties as men and women. Cheers xo ~Anaya

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/11/2024 6:10:00 AM

Dear Anaya, You lifted my soul to another level this morning and how could I not be appreciative of such wonderful and insightful thoughts. In our world, where anything goes, and all beliefs are equally true, this in turn cofounds wisdom and insight. It puts our world at risk because of a lack of understanding and compassion. I am so glad that we are on the same side and look to our God for answers and motivation to seek change. Thank You Anaya! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Tom Woody

Date: 7/10/2024 1:09:00 PM

I can't imagine reading anything better than this today. You ended your series on a high note Daniel. I've said everything I need to say on previous posts, so I'll simply say kudos! Well done

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/11/2024 6:02:00 AM

Hello Tom, When I read your comments this morning, it actually made my day more uplifting, and I thank you for that. I really tried to build our God into each of the poems, however, subtleness was my goal so that I could reach the nonbelievers with contemplative thoughts. I am always appreciative of your comments. - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Robert Gorelick

Date: 7/10/2024 11:55:00 AM

"Pride cometh before the fall!"

Robert Gorelick
Date: 7/12/2024 11:03:00 AM

My eagle eyed senior executive secretary discovered a few flaws in the book which have since been corrected. It has been reissued on recycled paper. For the sake of a memoir of someone as inconsequential as myself, I took her sage advice and feel I'm a better person for it. All my best, Robert

Robert Gorelick

Date: 7/10/2024 11:42:00 AM

I admire how you so forcefully express your concerns about how we neglected our stewardship of our fragile ecosystem and lack of care and understanding of each other. It seems we've developed fast frozen prejudices and opinions so antiquated that they should have ossified long ago. It is as if the holy and profane have no boundary line. Soon we will be compelled to face one another with awareness of the fragility of our earth and our vulnerability of our existence upon it.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/11/2024 5:57:00 AM

Hello Robert, Your words are filled with wisdom, and I am very thankful! I know there have been many books, articles, poems, speeches, movies, and documentaries that have expressed their concern about our complacency. It does take more than one voice to make change and more than one medium to enact change; it takes a world acting in accordance with debates, reconciliation, compromises, harmony, and action. Thank you so much for your visit! By the way, I am reading your book with an eye for detail and enjoying each page. - Blessings, My friend, Daniel.

Lin Lane

Date: 7/10/2024 10:37:00 AM

Part 6 puts every verse you've so eloquently written in perspective and not to be ignored. The planet is at stake and we should all be aware. "Lest all be lost when the circle is broken." An exceptional documentary of words that should be taken to heart by everyone. You are to be commended for taking us along your Red Road journey, Daniel. Thank you.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/11/2024 5:51:00 AM

Dear Lin, As always my friend, you leave such insightful words that fill the soul. I am sad to see this part of the journey end, however, I know that it is really just the beginning, an effort to plant a seed of change, a prayer that change will come sooner than later. Have a wonderful day of writing! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Lin Lane

Date: 7/10/2024 10:36:00 AM

I just walked through each Red Mile with you, reveling in your grasp of man's treatment of Nature. Loving your "... sacred spark and the divine breath animating all of creation." We take it all for granted, unraveling the threads of what we should protect...yet with a spark of hope. In Part 2, you expose the realization that death in the forest need not be mourned but gives hope to a rebirth. In fact, it is a necessity but not to extremes.

Lin Lane

Date: 7/10/2024 10:36:00 AM

Part 3, life in nature finds a way to climb from the ashes, so should we be more careful not to be the cause, but rather the guardians of our Earth. (Excellent rhyming in Part 3). Part 4 exposes the intricate weaving that should exist without threat between humans and nature. That thread is tenuous at the moment, but our life and legacy depend on the mending of harmony.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/11/2024 5:48:00 AM

Dear Lin, You and I have seen the tenuous nature of our world and the consequences that it is bringing. This would include our disrespect of the gifts that we have been given. We really do need to seek a harmonious existence with each other and all that exists. Thank You! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Lin Lane

Date: 7/10/2024 10:09:00 AM

And now I can begin at the beginning to savor each part in one continuous read. I've been looking forward to this and I'm sure I'll be enthralled. ;-)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 7/11/2024 5:44:00 AM

Dear Lin, How could I not love and appreciate your visits that are filled with such understanding and insights. The series took a lot of time and effort to write each one with a building message, leaving the final poem as an uplifting and hope filled prophecy of what our world could be. - Thank you from the bottom of my heart. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel