The Invitation
by Harmony Hodges
Deep in the forest
in their favorite meadow
they sat in a circle, by the full moonlight.
The old growth forest
watched them, protected them, that circle of five.
In hooded cloaks
they awaited an answer
from Mother earth.
November dewdrops formed on the grass
as swirls of cold darted and dashed,
finishing touches to the mandala meadow
of wiccan delight.
How were they to know
their meeting was located
just adjacent to an aquifer -
brackish, bubbling, and boiling for attention.
In that silent woods
with nothing to be heard - not even an owl,
a fine crack in the earth, broke the silence.
Bored, yet curious, perhaps a little lonely,
they, chthonic creatures, were making their move.
Then the aquifer, merely a portal to hell
rattled the ground with ferocity.
The circle of five fell over in the rumble,
tossled and turned
frumpled and frozen
winded and worried.
When they stood up
and smoothed out their cloaks,
there stood a gate of medieval proportion.
Complete with emerald hues
it welcomed them:
"Come hither - into the waterfall
Through which you will find
Some delight and refine
Of ultimate proportions
A pleasure to behold
A world of excitement
Come, be so bold."
With the meadow flooded,
and their leather boots soaked,
one member replied, ever so politely:
"Thank you
For your invitation so grand.
But if you could, be so bold
Take back your water, it's so icy cold.
Thank you,
Good night,
Goodbye and
Good luck."
The bridge with a mutter folded away
Hell was respectful on that very day.
The meadow dried up
the five resumed their spots.
Then in a circle, they focused on the center
where a sprig of basil quietly grew.
"Focus on its energy."
said one of the members.
"Its powers are amazing."
Writers Bio
I live in Portland Oregon.
Inspirational Image

Pieces Inspired by this Image
'The Dead Man'
by DewRina Lee
'The Doorway to Hell'
by Stef White
'The end of the beginning of the end'
by Jay Faulkner