January micro 2023:4

 

When I have a new Tarot, I pull a card a day as a way to learn — though all Tarot is Tarot — the particular character of this one. Recently I got the Crow deck by MJ Cullinane. I love crows, and I liked the artwork: neither too realistic nor too fancy. Today I pull the 8 of Cups: a longing for something beyond the material wealth I have. (I don’t have lots of money, but I have enough of everything else for my needs, and even some emotionally sustaining non-essentials — and that is wealth to me.)

But to take a more spiritual path — what can that mean? I have followed one all my life. At the age of 83, is this a message that death is beckoning? I don’t think I’m afraid to die, but I don’t feel ready yet. And despite the inevitable ageing and slowing, I don’t think my body is at that point either. But perhaps it’s a gradual journey. (Perhaps I need to begin some preparation.)

even with wings

ascending a mountain

must take time?

*

alone except for my cat

I put on the big blue earrings

(deep blue and white, like pottery)

which Angela gave me one birthday

– dressing up for myself

*

night owl texting –

certain friends know

who else roams the dark

Storm Hint

Sheet lightning flashes

behind clouds

startling the hot night.

On the balcony

our heads lift,
eager for new rain.

Sudden Birdsong Bursts

Sudden birdsong bursts

through my door
closed against the heat.

Soft Sunset

The moon almost full.
Soft sunset.
One bird in the tree.

Not Waiting for January

I cant wait; I want to practise now.

I think the idea is to communicate the small stones as vividly and succinctly as possible. They don't have to take any particular form. However, I like making verses, so I'm going to try it that way. There are a number of short forms to play with, and then there's free verse. So here we go! (If you were expecting beautiful evocations of nature, think again.)

My feet ache,
not from too much walking
but long sitting.