Morning Rituals

Fire and Smoke

morning rituals

of fire and smoke

channel a new day.

every dawn

awakens my soul

to breath

to life

to thanksgiving.

ancient ancestors call me

to prayer, to wonder-

my grandmothers,

grandfathers,

parents and friends

that have gone before me-

welcome my silent chants.

I work through them

with them,

in them,

with amazement

to give.

I am grateful to give

to be of service,

before time-

in this time-

in future time-

whatever “time” is.

the candle smoke reaches the heavens from my treehouse-

the same bird catches smoke breath of mine each morn-

winged messenger to heaven.