A Blessing for the Poetry Pole of Ellensburg
May this pole hold the weight
of the stories pinned here.
May this pole invite the whole story.
May this pole be a compass and show
where we are, the way back, the way forward.
May the pole share its courage.
May this pole speak.
May the pole sing together the love letters
and the laments.
May this pole be a fire escape,
a place to come out into the starry night
and survive.
May this pole be a mirror,
tell the truth back, clarify your reflection.
May the pole tell of our goodness.
May the pole reveal your heart.
May the pole be a teacher.
May this pole carry the medicine.
May this pole bear witness.
May this pole heal. Stitch together wounds,
stitch together people.
May the pole transform suffering.
May this pole reach the sky.
May the birds visit this pole.
May the wind be kind to the poems
and carry the words it must have.
May the pole draw us closer.
May this pole be a mother.
May this pole call forth beautiful questions.
May this pole wake us up.
May this pole hold infinite beauty.
May this pole nourish the ones who come.
May this pole hold every shade of sweetness.
May this pole plant the seeds and
water the seeds.
May the pole be found by the ones who need it.
May the pole remind you of everything
you knew but forgot.
May this pole assure you that you are not alone.
May this pole confirm your belonging.
May you be found here.
May you speak the unspeakable.
May this pole’s strong back echo your own.
May you have its openness.
May the pole receive the gifts.
May we receive its gifts freely.
May this pole ground itself for generations
and become a trusted friend.
8.27.23