Egnehenots: Earth and Stone

Egnehenots – of earth and stone Chief elder – most wise upon the Salisbury Plain an old man . . . loved deeply revered father of the land wakes before the sunrise speaks with a clear wind voice it is time . . . retniw ecitslos The twelve bow . . . form together three to a side lift Otsego – clear water running high in the air in liturgical movements move across the dark plain whitlow grass . . . juniper shrubs . . . wild thyme . . . sweeten the air moss laden stones soft upon leather-bound feet Within the wind haunting cries of the stone curlew crested newts scramble for cover the great bustard cuts the air with powerful wing beats Ancient burial mounds appear a sacred circle of life emergences the procession stops . . . lowers Egnehenots steps down, blesses the twelve enters the holy inner circle alone Laying his head against the mighty sarsens begins to chant . . . father of the blue stones creator of the big sky light upon these rocks I cling for your life from sky, to earth let your love flow On this holy day your strength is once again revealed wind and rain obey your commands days, nights, seasons march to your song how great and mighty is your power Hear our cries upon the wind absorb our tears upon the earth our breath upon your mighty rocks be now amongst your people send forth the sun and rain let the earth bring forth its riches so that we may dance in your radiance The sun breaks the horizon Sending out shafts of lights streaking across the sky clouds turning purple then into shades of reds, oranges a single ray of light strikes forth straight as an arrow illuminating the altar stone connecting slaughter stone and finally . . . the heel stone Where Where, an old man clings A loud cheer explodes from the village Food and wind flow – a celebration A new year begins - Rain clouds appear in the west Egnehenots – of earth and stone Love Generously David Meade 12/8/2015