Are you happy you are here?

Are you happy you are here?

In the gale of this wind
in the shelter of the hill
from machair
to Columba’s Bay

As coal burns and wars rage
you with your private despair
and your little scrap of faith?

Are you happy you are here
beneath the dark of Orion’s
blaze, as dolphins gaze

you into second sight,
of frog orchid and corncrake,
as you travel alongside
this communion of Ordinary Saints?

Are you happy you are here with companion
on the way who believe in one another
can strangers be your tribe
along with those who didn’t make it through?

Are you happy you are
beneath emerald bows of rain
perched on loadstone of gneiss?

As Spirit folds you into fire
and the year’s light disappears
will you sharpen your eyes
as you home from this holy isle

are you happy you were here?

(c) Dana Smith, Pilgrimage of Life week
Photo credit: David Giansiracusa