The Road Home

Bright blue sky
intersects brown hills
browner than I remember -
the land thirsts this year,
as do I.
Once again I stand alone
at the crossroads.
Hekate's shrouded figure
beckons me onward
but I can't see beyond the shadows
and I do not know which path to take.
The voices of my guides muffled
by the low and constant ache
of loneliness in my bones.
Only the changing light of the seasons
and the flicker of a hopeful dream
point the way forward,
the way In.
Go deeper, the leaves whisper
rustling high in the trees above
shimmering beacons in the unknown.
Oh, how I wish to be Seen by you
How I wish you'd notice
the subtle way my eyes change color
like the oranges and yellows of the leaves
with the weather, the mood.
I long for you to take my hand in yours
and lead me along this winding trail
letting your precious secrets
spill upon my lips...
Like a great spell lifted
these daydreams spark clarity.
I gather up my courage
and once again choose the path of intuition
of faith, of mystery.
Great guardians of Earth and Sky,
I call upon Wolf and Owl
A lone set of tracks through the woods
a soaring path across the sky,
let your wisdom become mine
something to draw upon
something to discover anew
with every step forward.
And when this set of tracks
encounters another
when these paths cross
let them merge gracefully
and form intricate patterns on the Earth
under the weight of our joyous dance.
In I go.
Deeper I go.
Beckoning,
beckoning,
the road home.

Stepping Gracefully Into Love

Edges singed by flames

of trials past

sweeping away remnants of

doubt

to embrace the fascinating beauty 

of my own flesh

swirling with my shadow

to find peace

acceptance.

I'm ready to step gracefully

into love

to be held so preciously

surrendering into

the arms of a gentle, courageous lover

in return offering nothing less than

a reflection of all God's love

from my heart to

yours.

No more

falling

in 

love,

walking

hand in hand

instead

the door is open,

I invite you in.

Blade of Grass

Walking amongst

giant redwoods

remembering 

my humble place

in this universe,

cherishing the stillness

this moment holds

the instinct to 

struggle

meddle

control

dissipates,

my yearning 

replaced by 

the simple joy 

of acceptance.

I let it soak in

smell of warm grass

stripes of dragonfly 

dancing in front of my eyes

birdcall on the wind

sun warming my skin.

Sometimes I forget

the blade

that cuts through 

illusion

more closely resembles

a blade of grass

than a metal sword.

Feels so good 

to be 

home.

Dear Ones

 Howwwwwwwwwwwlllllll!

Stir the cauldron

 The Earth, the Air, the Fire, the Water!

 Luminous Love Light of the One

 Dream, Dream, Dream

Infinite Possibility

Dear Ones

Forehead rests upon Earth

born of a love so strong

Child loves Mother loves Child

the whole world transforms.

You remember

you remember

seed planted in your chest

medicine in your bones

so desperately needed

ripe to enter this world

in this moment

in this form.

Call forth the part of you 

that sees beauty in our differences

call forth the part of you 

that recognizes the limitless stars.

Your branches can grow

as much as they need to.

Follow the bird's sweet song

to realms beyond this one

places of great mystery, wisdom.

Ask the ancestors to hold your hand

shine light into the dark

of places they've seen

stories they've lived

lessons they've learned.

Taste the wildness in the air

let intuition be your guide

feel your strength

as you kneel in the dirt.

Know the depth of compassion

drink in the sweetness

vulnerability brings.

You are not invisible

you are honored

and seen

as flames and shadows

make mischief in the night.

Grow with tenderness

Allow your edges to be soft

Move, dance with the wind.

Welcome vibrant balance

and know, 

just know

You've been called home

danced into being

and sung awake

so the world can feel 

your light shine upon it.

The Earth bows to you

rejoices in your vast presence,

you are the piece 

she was missing.

*Deepest gratitude and thanks for all the teachers, mentors and campers at TEM 2013. You have lifted my soul and filled my cup. I carry your magic in my heart!

Song of Angels

Brilliant radiance.

Delicate elegance.

Humbling quiet.

Cleansed.

Gentle. Peace.

(all photographs copyright Francyne Kunkel)

My radiant heart rests gently
on a pedestal of spring flowers
lifted up by the brilliance of their petals,
the stitching that once held it so tight
stretched til breaking point
surrendered with a sigh.
Gratitude for it's loyal protection
seamlessly weaves into a soft membrane
yielding, at last, to the free flow of energy.
This miracle of love is born on the freedom of the wind,
it's courage ignited by the sacred flame of healing,
cleansed and caressed by the salt of the sea,
and grounded by the fertile soil under my feet.
It rises from the undying light of patience,
revels in the sweet rapture of discovering gentleness
at the edge of effort and surrender,
embracing harmony within the enchanted dance
of inhalation and exhalation.
This is the song of angels
dancing through my flesh,
blessing my bones,
kissing my eyelids,
so I may feel once again,
the beauty of love
enveloping me.