SMOLDERING EMBER BARK
Melissa Black
The lightning bolt hits the bark of
my grandmother’s tree.
The strong electrical power
shakes me to the bone.
My sight becomes distorted with a brief,
bright flash. It returns revised.
Walking over to the tree
as it smolders, I am still
shaking within my skin.
She begins smudging me
as I approach her.
With my basket by my side
I begin to collect the
warm black ember bark’s coal.
Raising my arms to the sky,
giving thanks for this healing.
Powerful medicine.
The sacred element have connected
and provided for me enough
to share.
I chew on a warm bite, just a
little bit.
Feeling thankful that my basket is
now full. | MB