Sunwheel Grove Druid Order

In a casual wander – we appear from yonder – to the secret garden through the gate at its edge,
A Pheasant weaving slalom runs through the Sheep next door – diving for cover under the hedge!
There’s a sky in painted grey – hanging heavy over the day – shaded layers inviting the rain,
Serving up a starter – with a fine drifting mist – in and out of vision with a brief refrain!

The fruit pickers busy – while the trees dance dizzy – flowing with shudders of forceful breeze,
The circle circumnavigated – a tour in the round – putting the mind at its ease!
In sweeps the rain – preparation is tentative – held in suspension – elemental Russian roulette,
Seeking the sanctuary of the dry of the shed – contentious murmurs whisper of solemn regret!

Robin bobs and potters around the base of the Dogwoods – a constant fidget avoiding the drips,
Its leaves a shimmering – like a cascading veil – plucked by the melody of finger tips!
Drumming out a rhythm on the ridges of the roof – hypnotic patterns and we drift away,
With an early lunch – we’re a quiet bunch – out through the doorway I watch the Robin play!

There’s a growth to the gathering – the arrival of Paviland – stepping in between the showers,
Relating to colours with a kindred smile – defying the build up to supply the rain for hours!
We await a turn – betraying the forecast – catching up on stories with a tell of the tale,
There’s a return of the mist – before it starts to persist – engulfing our corner of the vale!

Bowing before the seasons autumn rainclouds – settling in for the rest of the day,
The collective gathered – concede to the elements – with Plan B motioned to lead the way!
Seagulls calling with their exclamations – faded figures through a misted sky,
Heeding the call – we retire one and all – to raise a toast of Mead before we say goodbye!

Overly dressed – in a many layered swaddle – greeted in the mid-morning sun,
Wearing the weary – with the usual lack of sleep – I linger in silence the deliverance run!
Anticipation’s arrival – leads the winding pathway – covering the gateway in shade,
With a scurry of an entrance – relaying supplies – closing the gate a connection is made!

Wading through droplets – sheltered in ankle deep grasses – on the roundhouse trail and beyond,
Unloading the backpack at the old picnic bench – where the Butterfly Garden and gallery bond!
Breathing in the moment – it conjures a smile – contentment settles with a slow release,
With the warmth of welcome – inviting the peeling of layers – in a relaxing pool of peace!

The Earth’s Discovery leaning – laden with apples – in a bow to the southern Oak,
The Orchard swells – with its abundant clusters – tucked under their leafing cloak!
The Squirrels leave the debris – of Almond Tree sorties – dotted around the edging stones,
Nut shell fragments – left in random patterns – seconds are singing in multiple tones!

Enter the Emperor – the King of the Dragonflies – moving in circles on the delicate wing,
Scouring the Dogwood – with its buffet of insects – it’s a truly – many splendored thing!
The Wasps and Bees – they network the trees – checking out the fruit with the Flies,
A blanket of cloud – drapes a shaded shroud – before the sun climbs the highest of skies!

Camouflage Butterflies – weaving in their flutter-bys – pausing at the pink and white Clover,
Random are the Whites – that flitter in their flights – rambling around like a rover!
The Finches fidget – in their raiding parties – twittering excitedly while out on the move,
A Red Admiral comes to rest – at the sun triangle pinnacle – chilling in the groove!

Second breakfast descends – with the gathering of friends – around the picnic bench in the sun,
The breeze it comes and goes – with its casual blows – sharing in the fun!
The Swallows swoop – in their sparse numbered group – weaving performance lost in time,
With a preview of our wording – we echo the threads of sentiment – compulsion is to rhyme!

The Doves and Wood Pigeons – scatter in the margins – a ring of admiration starts its flow,
The Orchard display – with its fruit on the way – the best of cropping we are yet to know!
The Plum and the Pears – covered in their wares – even the ‘Beth’ with its first year’s show,
The Greengage magnificent – with its elegant smattering – the seasons busy in its swelling grow!

The Ornamental Crab Apple – a heavyweight tangle – with its veil of wine red fruit,
Next to its kindred partner – a subtle yellow with a dusting of pink – free-form as to suit!
The entrance Russet and the mystery Apple – form less fruit in the Dogwood shade,
With the first Dogwood harvest – come the depths of Winter – lighting changes will be made!

Thriving on its pedestal perch – the solo Silver Birch – stands atop of the Ancestral mound,
The eight Silver Birch do their thing – where the harmonies sing – standing proud in the round!
Their fungal companion – quietly raising Toad-Stool heads – a precursor to a collection of rings,
A gathering pre-arranged with the damp of the Autumn – where the mist of the fall it clings!

Twin Discoveries mark a future archway – hanging heavy with red Apples glinting in the sun,
With the force of nature it requires attention – the ‘Planning Department’ will see it done!
The Yew and the Elders – fulfilling a Samhain backdrop – keeping a time with the Oath,
Running through the character of Orchard Way – with a sheltered wall of growth!

The Wild Cherries – they lost their blossom early – as their lack of fruit concedes,
Lizzie’s Cox’s Orange Pippin – snuggles with the Hawthorn – where its fruiting slow recedes!
The Hawthorn hedging – has grown though sun-wheel cycles – enclosing the Grove to the eye,
The Holly Bed framework – awaits its final boarding – having been fixed and left to dry!

The Moon Garden Goat Willow – flourishes in the corner – accompanied by the twisted Willow,
From a whip through the years reaching strong and tall – we’ve seen it forming a natural billow!
The Ornamental Rowan behind the Imbolc Stone – one of the first trees planted at the Grove,
Has transformed with the ages with its rooting deep – a fixed point of reference the future wove!

The Snowberries form and plump their snow balls – over-spilling onto the passing trail,
The Mock Orange masses – await their pruning classes – separation and spacing the fine detail!
Clematis tendrils march – over the entrance arch – in need of support against the breeze,
The Moon Garden backed with Alder saplings – under the shade of the Willow Trees!

The Hawthorn ending stands reborn – recovering a scalping to shape the hedge,
The energy of the Willow escorts us to the Beltane Hawthorn – where the ditch it skirts its edge!
On through the Stones – we enter the gallery – where the St John’s Wort it sits in the corner,
The Butterfly Garden – it tires in the sunshine – capturing the attention of the flora and fauna!

The Southern Oak standing furthest South – an established rootstock with its virgin leaders,
The dog eared leaves of the twisted Hazel – sharing tales of its travels with my regular readers!
The Hazel clumps – have come up trumps – early in the forming of their seasonal fayre,
Guests of honour welcoming the ‘Season of the Hazel’ – on this Lughnasadh gathering we all share!

Preparations begin – when the Lanterns move in – all of a flicker the entrance candles glow,
Dressed in order sun-wise – we lay the table – the altar sun-wheel table-cloth – swinging low!
The shell wind chimes – they ring with the times – dancing a symphony strummed by the breeze,
With the flavouring of incense – inter-mingling in swirls – amongst the circle of the trees!

Earthen coloured Dragonflies out on manoeuvres – joining the gathering at the roundhouse door,
A notion of a motion sparks the old Sun Lantern – taking up the trail as we have done before!
A repeated chime it leads a melody – weaving round the corners and circling rings,
The rhythm of life it echoes – finding firm its grounding – engulfing the heart as it sings!

We honour the Harvest with a toast to the Ancestors – with wheat bed threads of gold,
There’s a ceremonial Harvest with a trusted sickle – beheading a wheat crop to behold!
We swill down a seed with a mug of Ale – a fermented brew from last year’s grain,
Honouring the bed – we break our bread – consumed in contemplation with the ancestral chain!

Distribution follows – with each in turn – the directions covered – each and every one,
The Hazel honoured – as we teach so we learn – basking in the heat of the Sun!
As a small Wasp finds the Mead – with a will to succeed – we come about to the close,
Flagrant smiles – reach for miles and miles – a contented retreat where the passion flows!

We return to catch the back stroke action – a larger Wasp it swims the Mead,
The lifeguard swift and springs to action – drained and rescued guaranteed!
A Raven calls – attracting spotters – lost in the cover on the far side of the Willow Tree,
Its happy to chat – as we restore the Grove – and we leave the Raven be!

As a farewell parting it circles the rise – cronking and honking its last goodbyes,
The Sun peeps bright from behind a fluff of cloud – and the Raven is off to roam the skies!
We watch Butterflies ramble – Wasps and Bees take their gamble – as we retire through the gate,
There’s an unplanned sacrifice – as the Mead hits the road – with a smash that wasn’t great!

One by one – two Buzzards circle – above the tangled verges,
Crying a morning’s welcome on a thermal rise!
Weavings of knot-weed – waft their pollen – in white flower trumpets,
Seducing the Wasps and the Flies!
The ploughed brown fields – reaching up to the foothills,
Swathes of shadings scored across the clay!
The Hawthorn hedgerow rambles by – as the wheat pricks up its ears,
With all encompassing – engulfed within the silver glow of the day!

Twisted trees – cast their morning shadow,
Over the dry bed stand-still – of the babbling stream!
The songbirds sporadic – zig-zagging back and forth,
Even the Crows – they scarcely show – as the Sun turns on full beam!
The Brambles flowering wildly – like a web of lace,
Palette painted variants – of pink and white tones!
Entering the seasonal tunnel that embraces an entrance,
Feeling the anticipation – deep down in my bones!

Wood Pigeons scatter as I enter the gateway,
Two Meadow Brown Butterflies – offering a welcome – fluttering in flight!
House Martins party – throwing solo swirls and each in turn,
An away day holiday at the House Martin Campsite!
Sweeping in swoops – in their half dozen group,
In the southern corner stands their favourite tree!
I’m distracted by the vibrant golden yellow – of the St John’s Wort flowers,
With the first of its early bloomers – bursting free!

Robin investigates the hedgerow to our outer reaches,
Guiding the journey around Orchard Way!
There’s a flash of electric blue – pinging into view,
With a wisp on by – skits a Damsel Fly – gleaming in the sway!
The air hangs still – on the breath of will,
A precursor to the glory of the Sun’s highest climb!
With growth in abundance reaching for the skies,
An age old gift fermented – in space and time!

The purple ornamental Crab Apple Tree – sharing a transformation,
An elegant growth spirt of blushing shape and form!
The Pears and the Plum – show a healthy fruit potential,
Even the Greengage is eager – quietly soaking up the warm!
There’s a positive note for the twin Discoveries,
Forming an early framework along Orchard Way!
The Wild Cherries bloom resplendent – in the freshest flush of greens,
The Primroses rest – around Lizzie’s Orange Pippin – with her forming fruit on display!

The Almond stands steadfast – with its wealth of purses,
Dealing with slight imperfections – nipping red at the leaves!
Well dressed and tended is the bed of the Dogwood – prepared so well in advance,
Covered in a network of ring round fruit cups – where the berries swell with ease!
The contorted Hazel hiding its modesty – under cover in a deep green cloak,
So widely travelled both home and away – before retiring to mature – taking pride of place!
Pinpoints of colour contrasts – highlight the lure of the Butterfly Garden,
The Red Hot Pokers and the vibrant yellow Iris – the Comfrey clusters and the Buddleia race!

There’s a many seasoned growth – to the strength of the Yew,
Evolving with the pages of our history and turning Sun-wheels past!
The Elders newer – to complete the scene – they flourish well within the green,
Flanking astride the triplet – of the Samhain bed – a bonus feature for its timely cast!
As a backdrop to memory – close and personal – creating a sheltered pool of peace,
Zones within zones – on to where I rest my bones – where the Holly bed lays bare!
With the raising of the land and its finite borders – the replanting draws ever near,
Lifting the roots above the water table – for a Holly hedgerow – to be planted with loving care!

As company gathers the lanterns are readied – while the entrance candles refresh their glow,
Second breakfast convenes in the Moon Garden – sharing in the cool of its shade!
Collective memory enhanced – with a few seasonal choice phrases,
Reflecting sun-burn tales – of old Pilgrimage trails – distant journeys fondly made!
Recounting the rise and fall of the miles – forever wrapped within kindred smiles,
‘The Planning Department’ walking in circles – in honour of the Plants and the Trees!
Surveying the environment – cementing future planning,
Discovering unknown Butterfly species and enjoying the bugs and Bees!

Preparations done and we lay our table – under the burning of the Sun,
With a chiming rhythm – guiding gathering’s focus – following the calling of melodies flow!
Cycles are circled in timeless motion – settling to rest with the Silver Birch,
Heralding the arrival of the Sun’s highest climb – and he’s putting on a show!
We stand with a view – with memory of Autumn – gathering the bounty of the land,
We stand with a view – with memory of Winter – where the midnight darkness finds its sleep!
We stand with a view – with memory of Spring – with nature bursting into life,
We stand with a view – with memory of Summer – recalling Summer memories we’d hope to keep!

With the flare of the sunburst – stroking our faces,
In the warmth extending – beyond our finger-tips!
Here’s to the Ancestors and the mighty Oak,
Feeling the heat – as the sweat truly drips!
While the breeze it rests – silent and breathless,
We feel the stillness of the peace in the air!
As we come to a close we find our words are melting,
Relaxing the structure to the touch we share!

Drawn to the shade – a withdrawal is made,
Disrobing in the margins and revealing too much flesh!
The heat is sweltering – with technical indications,
Behold the outdated water – so cooling and fresh!
Come the revelation – there’s a primitive form of showering,
Taking the moment to let off steam!
The body smiles reaction – with the shudder of a sigh,
Catching threads of the breeze – reassuring beyond the extreme!

Pulse rate returns to normal and preparations dismantled,
Calm and thoughtful with trips to the shade!
After the mass migration – I find my lonesome,
I take the chance – to watch the Damsels dance – lost in the moment where memories are made!
Chilling clothes in the shade – I gather my visions,
Returning my necessities – to the confines of my magic bag!
Retiring to the retreat ahead of schedule,
Affording my return – the time to drag!

Delivered to the junction – by the kindness of Mrs Glen – an excited ramble leads down the lane,
The banter of the stream with its lyrical soundtrack – inhaling the air deep into the brain!
Up over the rise – under the mottling of skies – down where the twisting turns,
The Sun takes it chances – smothered in the elements – the taste of nature the spirit yearns!

Staggering journeys – to pool a collective – standing in unity in the time honoured way,
An entrance – each in turn – with their personal rituals – welcoming the welcome of Beltane day!
Mr Majestic the Pheasant – in all of his finery – gliding across the gallery in subtle retreat,
The Martin returns to his favourite theme park – perpetuating pause before each repeat!

Celebration calls for bread and Peanut butter – slowly and lovingly – soaking up the scene,
Taking in the energy – breathing in the synergy – beholding the swell of the green!
Preparation glows with its finishing touches – the Posy calling – with the formulation of a plan,
Admiring the embellishments – with the dots of flowers – unveiling the colour where random ran!

The entrance candles – they flicker into focus – beholding the dance of the flame,
A warmly welcome – for one and all – standing at the threshold with a future aim!
Taking shape and form – it keeps the busy warm – with everything to put in its place,
Contemplation wanders around the outer circle – heralding the Hawthorn in close embrace!

The Posy grows – with its contributions – lovingly arranged in an offering vase,
The movements assemble – with understanding’s approach – from the snaking trail of cars!
The hugs break out in treasuring friendship – reaching through history – dripping with time,
An assemblage gathering to share in our lunch – with the Mead tasting to tell of – in my rhyme!

The cold wind blows – the Sun comes – but mainly goes – the rain clouds standing by,
So the elements they play – on this glorious day – nicely chilled but keeping dry!
Sharing in the hope of the Greengage fruit buds – so many more than last year’s one,
While the rain stays away – the time starts to stray – until the sights and smells have begun!

The lanterns taste their flame – at the hand of Paviland – incense hangs a linger – reaching tall,
A multitude tango – of kindred burning spirits – casting their light – one and all!
Nature in motion – the flora and fauna – cobwebbed corners dressed in lace,
Seizing the moment when we find our peace – as we sing-fully settle our place!

Dissolving into the evolving of the Silver Birch – planting a footing – gathering in the round,
Weaving in the wind – with the dance of the tree tops – connecting with the ground!
Soothing is the birdsong – as we hold down our pages – elemental passion filling the sails,
Stepping in – three breaths deep – filing a memory for all to keep – slow the Herald hails!

There’s a flicker to the memory of the Ancestral Flame – threatening to get out of hand,
Reaching out with its personal touch – to the lap of the sun bearer – igniting where we stand!
In a beating of the heart – as a burning ply’s its art – before the embers fade and die,
A Sun dance quick-beat in the tender regions – bringing a teardrop to the eye!

We honour the arrival of the Green Man’s seed – bringing forth the melody to life,
Presentation offers with the gift of Posey – in the name of the Hawthorn man and wife!
Mother Earth blushes – with the rise of the oestrum – where two become a whole,
With the balance of harmony – wrapped in a happening – pro-creation completes its goal!

After closing time – we meet the Beltane fires – lighting up the way,
Leading us onward – between the masculine and feminine – brought to light this day!
There’s a lasting scene – dancing in the green – a chain reaction of distinguished age,
An Order in an order – we head for the border – and we tip-toe off the page!

The morning Sun peeks – through the clouding shadows – painted in their blues and greys,
Rolling their shading across the fields – capturing pinpricks of the light in rays!
The oil seed yellow – drapes a veil of contours – swaddling the hill I am to rise,
The morning chorus with its melodious ripples – radiating outward before my eyes!

There’s a blast from the past at the new siding gates – and a chance to pass the time,
With a former neighbour going back a generation – gathering the threads of a rhyme!
The Crows abscond – as I wander beyond – the watcher surveying the scene,
With a spring in the season – the lusting for life and reason – tender are the leaves in the green!

Stepping through the gateway – where motion lingers – while the season finds its place,
A Hare ambles up the ranging of the southern field – the Honeysuckle fondling its wires of lace!
A disturbance of Wood Pigeons takes to the air – with a subtle moving on,
A Grey Squirrel leaves the circle with a casual stroll – no sooner seen as gone!

Distracted by a Bumble Bee at the Snakes Head Fritillaries – huddled up close to a stone,
Laying in the dew to capture the memory – framing the picture to share on its own!
A Tortoise-shell Butterfly with an eye level flightpath – fluttering by from left to right,
Committed is the warble of the Willow Warbler – in a pitch so clear and bright!

In comes a Magpie to rest in the west – while the Crows fly two by two,
Mr Mallard disgruntled passes over head – sweeping to the east to pass on through!
Gone the Almond Pink in a flurry of leaves – the Fruit Trees blossom in flowing veils of white,
The Plum and the Pair – with the Greengage there – elemental circles catch the light!

On the watch is Robin red – from the camouflage of the Dogwood bed – singing of its song,
The Willow Warbler joins in for the chorus – from the Silver Birch growing tall and strong!
A Buzzard carves out ringlets – with the lift of thermals – with its gliding in the west,
Sailing with the seas – of freedoms ease – soaring with the spirit of the truly blessed!

There’s a call to arms for the ‘Planning Department’ – making an entrance for the Rowan Trees,
Honouring a replacement for the rotten roots – lifted from the water and the winter freeze!
Recovery blooms from the depths of despair – with the buds of hope that come with Spring,
Retiring to the hedgerow – built up in the shallows – what a many splendored thing!

With all in agreement there’s an urge for second breakfast – taken with the joy of the Sun,
Taking in the day with my Peanut Butter sandwiches – where thoughts can be left to run!
Conversation bandies – with observational strands – and relaxation finds its calm,
Time drifts by – with the blinking of an eye – cuddled with comfort and safe from harm!

The Finches come and go in clumps of excitement – washing through the flow of the Silver Birch,
Pigeons and Doves – stringing journeys above – and Robin wanders from perch to perch!
There’s a collective viewing as we do of the rounds – with its many signs of life,
A crescendo of living that varies its cycles – with the quickening racing rife!

Primroses displaying flowers – between their flowers – glowing like lanterns to warm the heart,
With their beauty of delicacy – shape and form – with the potency of nature in all its art!
The Shrubs and Bushes – show the growth that pushes – new shoots swelling with hope,
The hedges come to life – like the blade of a knife – defining the edges of size and scope!

Filling the Barrow with soil – from the circling ditch – for the use of raising Trees,
A Toad comes out to play – with the clearing done this day – a kindred life its escort sees!
With the making of its bed – the young Rowan lifts its head – rising to the top of its mound,
With its companion in pots – planted by its side it slots – in the outer hedgerow running around!

With the three Rowan’s planted – we gather for lunch – to formulate a plan,
We take the chance to visit next doors pond – following the bridge of the man!
Admiring the landscape and the gathering of Water Reeds – with crumbling cigars full of seeds,
With a nod of reverence to the choosing of Trees – understanding the view the viewer needs!

The flames taste the air – burning the clearing’s fayre – a smouldering of smoke into ash,
There’s a fine – fine shower that rides with the greys – thankfully gone in a flash!
Uncovering the Hollies from their winter shelter – huddled together at the end of the shed,
The proposed new site for the plant pen is cleared – counting the Hollies for the Holly bed!

The flare of the fire is tucked in at the edges – feeding the burning heart,
The wind it blows as it comes and goes – rustling my beard for its part!
With wits aroused – the tools are housed – given to the moment its time to leave,
With a cluster of voices – we make of our choices – taking in the Honeysuckle weave!

On closing the gate – we take up the single path of memories – before we go our separate ways,
A Pheasant heads my journey with an arrogant swagger – full of nervous quick displays!
Yellow Hammers darting in and out of the hedgerow – leading me on my trails,
The black and white Blackbird it crosses my path – and I’m off to tell my tales!