SEDONA’S RED ROCKS - WARS & MORE
As I waited for inspiration the world changed - the war between Israel & Hamas - the power battle between extremes in the GOP - The performance we attended of “Considering Matthew Shepard”, a poignant and brilliant reminder of the co-existence of hate and love. You will hear how I have been effected by these, as I realize that poetry has a valuable role in this world.
CATHEDRAL ROCK
In the Vortex of Cathedral Rock
watching watchers, talkers and meditators
watching golden rays brighten hearts
waiting for the moment of perfection
which is always waiting to abe discovered
Worth the climb up steeply angled slippery rocks
few footholds, many finger holds
witnessing the sun dipping below the horizon
darkness creeping up on us
making the descent a greater adventure.
Now months later
in the vortex of the Church of Christ
the Oratorio “considering Matthew Shepard”
Reminds that love and hate co-exist
Taking me back to the Red Rocks
throwing me into a cauldron
where wars, anger and cruelty
stirred up by age old stories,
erupt into conflict, death and destruction.
Wait,
we cannot ignore the present reality
yet
we can stay closer to our own hearts
we can choose to be the vortex
of universal love
we can embrace calm and peace
we can do our part
to bring back humanity and sanity
to bring back a world from the brink
We must remember
everyone deserves to feel
the cooling moon
the warming sun
the soothing wind
the blessings of the stars
BLOOD RED ROCKS
Dawn walking, watching, waiting
for that brilliant sunrise
that will paint the red rocks red
Sunrises inching above the Eastern ridge
breaking through clouds,
piercing tree branches
another day of rock watching begins
searching for the perfect vision
searching for the perfect vortex
to transport me to a higher level
of delight and love.
The red rock spell is broken
by remembering innocent’s blood
pouring over rubble in Ukraine
spattering across rocks in Israel
crushed in collapsed Gaza
spurting gunshot wounds in Maine
When will these war games end
humanity live together in peace again,
and The red rocks of Sedona
evoke beauty not painful thoughts
of spilt blood.
NAMES OF SEDONA
I imagine The Red Rocks
worn and shaped by wind and rain
and geological events
had to be given names
without names like Bell Rock
or Courthouse Butte
ringing in our heads
how could we walk
with purpose and direction.
I walked to Brin’s Mesa
through Soldiers Pass
over Devils Bridge
and found the 7 sacred ponds
where my water bottle ran dry.
One day left to realize
vortex power
the church of the Holy Cross
Too crowded and busy
Airport Mesa
the clouds parted above me
The Light illuminated my Sahasra
my bald head shone
but the talkers broke the silence
and the spell was broken
again.
All that is left to do
is a Thai massage
lulling me into the state
of deep relaxation.
and fly home.
“Flute Man”
Standing on the trail along the river
He plays his wooden flute
giving me a recital for this podcast
Thank you Robert
Take care
©MartinStrasmore2023