Blessing of the Vines

    by Snipe

Although much of the Island
is still locked within winter
those who plant and till
have looked forward to this day-

On this day
the Green Man
enters the village
to play games with the children
And after-
to Bless the fields prior to planting

As the Green Man
appears suddenly within our village
the children flock around him-
trying to snatch a wildflower
woven around his waist

The Green Man spins and ducks-
the children squeal with delight
the adults comment to each other
on his convincing costume-
how the mask of leaves seems to change
expression,
and the scent of cedar and honeysuckle
that cloak him

As the Green Man concludes
his dance with the children
every child walks away with a flower-
a blessing of health and renewal
for the new year

As he passes
the adults notice that his belt of flowers
is full and complete

The Green Man
stands with his bare feet
sunk deep into the rich soil
hands reaching for the Sun-

After several minutes of droning chants
he lowers his upturned face
to the assembled masses,
who await his personal blessing,
and says-

"This soil is in pain. It tells me
of those among you who take it's value
for granted. Those who do not Breathe Deep.
Those who do not Seek Peace."

The crowd looks around nervously-

"These words are not mere customary greeting.
They have Power; They along with The Code are seeds. Seeds that seek purchase in fertile
Hearts and Minds. When nourished with Love and
Hope, these seeds grow into vines that encompass
first the individual, then spread to loved ones
and friends, and finally stretch across the
entire Island.
It is to these that I give my Blessing-
You are the Vines
You are the Seeds
You are the Hope and the Love-
You are the Words
You are the Code
You are the Message Board-
You are The Island."

Amongst the assembled crowd,
there are two distinct reactions-
Heartfelt Joy,
and indifference.
Amid the excited confusion
the Green Man slips away.

Several hours later-
a dusty traveler enters our town
he proceeds to the square
and apologizes for his delay-
his mount punctured it's foot
on a sharp rock
and the actor had to walk
the rest of the way

He pulls a crude mask
and a thin strand of wildflowers
from his pack
offering a tired smile

The village stands in hushed shock-
The Island laughs peals of thunder.

The Blessing of the Vines

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