The Trees

Tall and strong, the trees stand, keeping watch over fair Avebury.
The mighty roots protrude from the ground, gnarled and twisted with age and wisdom.
I walk the chalky path along the ridge and towards the trees. There is a rhythm in my steps and as I follow the well-trodden pathway, I drift – all voices, people and scenery melt away. All I can see is the path. All I can hear are the trees.
As I reach the place that path entwines with the roots I stop.
Silently, I thank the Lord and Lady for the beautiful day and the wonder that I hold before me.
I place my foot onto the roots and begin to walk the slope to the base of the trees.
I can feel the energy of the trees flowing about me. I tread carefully, reverently, along the roots and find a place that looks right.
I sit in a hollow and lay back. I stretch my legs out and feel the spirit of the trees.
I look up and see the branches – they seem to stretch for miles; their number infinite.
I can see prayer beads and ribbons, poppets and offerings that people have made.
As I drift in the energy and close my eyes, a voice calls my name. It fills my head and I sit up, looking for the source of the shout.
I settle back into my hollow, wanting to absorb and be absorbed.
My hands leave my solar plexus and rest by my sides. When my hands touch the roots I feel the life of the trees run into me – I feel the energy flow through my fingertips and my palms and it is beautiful.
I move my hands relishing the feel of the bark under my skin and the tingle of the life flowing all around me.
Slowly, I come back to myself.
The warm feeling of the roots under my hands has not left me.
As I leave the shelter of the trees, I pick a flower, and feel the life of the tiny daisy in my hands. Slowly, it fades and I give thanks to it for sharing its energy with me.
I fling my hand over my head and give the daisy back to the Earth.
Tall and strong, the trees stand, keeping watch over fair Avebury.
The mighty roots protrude from the ground, gnarled and twisted with age and wisdom.
What stories they have locked away in their hearts and what untold secrets they have kept from saplings to the magnificent creatures they are today.
I felt and heard the spirit of the trees that day and for that I am humbled and truly thankful.
© Xowie Brandt