On knowing where we are

For me, words feel more grounded when they are anchored in place.

When they are an expression of a lived reality, not just speculative constructs.

So Gideon Heugh’s poem struck a chord as I considered why we had been drawn to this particular place, with its own distinctive geology.

ECOLOGY

It is becoming clear to me ??

that the health of my bone marrow ??

has something to do with cornflowers, ??

and constellations, and the way ??

that a dragonfly moves. ??

I cannot now help but believe ??

(and I have explored the options)? ?

that the motions of my soul ??

depend in some way upon the moon, ??

and the weight of clouds, ??

and the migratory pattern of swifts. ??

The flow of my consciousness is reliant ??

(I am increasingly certain)? ?

upon the cleanliness of chalk streams, ??

the societies of protozoa in the soil, ??

and of course the wellbeing ??

of my neighbour.?

+ Gideon Heugh, from Naming God, 2023

How about you?

Pause. See differently. Re-story...