About Magic and Story

 

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I used to believe in a kind of supernatural magic:

alone or in groups, we could light a candle or build a bonfire,

and send out prayers and wishes to influence reality.

Let’s call this witchcraft.

And I still believe energy from prayer can add force

to the political cocktail of protest or celebration.

Community carries that kind of intentional magic of growth.

Let’s call this faith.

Witness the power of gardens, worship, and ecology.  See

the power of poetry, books, public gatherings for music and

theatre and feasting.  Witness problem solving everywhere.

Let’s call this action.

But I now believe much more in the non-human magic that pulls

or pushes humans to partake of life in its diversity:

Grounding makes us part of the earth rather than travelers over earth.

Let’s call this relationship.

Touching and talking with trees and animals, standing still to feel

their energies.  Sitting down in gardens and watching the give and

take of insects and sun.  Watching and wading in many waters.

Let’s call this life.

Nature has an ability to change its inhabitants that

is magical. Concentrated experience teaches us how

myth and fairy dust derive from nature’s action in human lives.

Let’s call this story.

My blog poems are rough drafts.

Please respect my copyright.

© 2024 Susan L. Chast