cranes – Feminism and Religion

The Echo Makers 25 by Sara Wright

When I first heard the ‘trumpeting’ and ‘brrring’ it was less than an hour before dawn, but one aggregation was already on the wing headed west, away from the fields. Because their direction led away from the fields, I feared we would not see the Sandhills at all. It was All Saints Day, a time to give thanks to those creatures and people who have helped us along the way. (Sandhills have been been a beacon of Light in my own life). A bloody red sky turned deep rose as the sun shattered the charcoal outline of distant mountains, turning them carmen red. The wind was fierce as I walked up and down the sides of the open agricultural fields listening intently. Gunshots rang out and I wondered where these might be coming from. In Maine it is illegal to shoot migrating cranes. The sunrise was spectacular. Clouds spun themselves out of ruby, slate, and violet hues. Indescribable.

Although snow buntings, red winged blackbirds and two harriers were scrying the skies around the fields after dawn I only had eyes for sandhill sightings!

When the Cranes Come by Sara Wright

Picture of a group of cranes flying in the dusk sky
When the Cranes Come
I remember who I am –
A woman with wings.

When the Cranes Come
I listen with rapt attention
I am a woman with wings.

When the Cranes Come
I am pulled into a primordial field
I am a woman with wings.

When the Cranes Come
I know I must fly with them
I am a woman with wings.

When the Cranes Come
I remember that community is real
I am a woman with wings.

When the Cranes Come
I believe hope can be restored
I am a woman with wings.

When the Cranes Come
I lay down in frost – covered reeds
In peace with Sand -hill Cranes. Continue reading “When the Cranes Come by Sara Wright”

Daughter of the Cranes by Sara Wright

When I see them
I enter the Dreaming.
In the background
a jagged coat of barren
reptilian mountains
frames bountiful bodies
standing on stilts as
undulating necks,
crimson crowns
beaded eyes
dive below the surface
in search of last year’s grain.
Each deliberate step is taken
in syncopated rhythm
with those of nearby neighbors
Each three toed talon
pierces still waters. Continue reading “Daughter of the Cranes by Sara Wright”

Crane – Guide to Royalty, Longevity and Balance by Judith Shaw

Cranes, seen gliding over the water, searching for food in muddy wetlands and flying overhead in beautiful formations, are graceful, elegant birds – masters of three worlds – air, land and water.