Feathered Guardian

A Poem for Ravens by Ray Zimmerman

I am the blur behind those rocks,  
a traveler. My visit to this earth is 
a stop on my journey. 

The Cairn marks a boundary between worlds 
It is an ancient warning.   Step through, 
and you may not return. Do not count 
on memory to find your way.

Can you ascend with me into the winter sky 
and hear the duet of Rigel and Alnetak?
Fly with me into the summer sky and pluck 
the strings of Lyra, the harp of Orpheus. 
Do you dare listen to his severed head sing 
and prophesy as it travels to distant lands.
 
Come with me and witness the birth 
of mountains rising from the sea
and deserts bringing forth bounty
on parched and lifeless lands. 

I’m a trickster and a teacher 
I tell the stories of wisdom 
for those who know how to ask. 

I am a feathered guardian who once  
uttered the word “nevermore.”  
I will not tell you the way forward or back. 
Before entering, ask yourself  
“Why do I make this journey? 
What do I seek?” 

Keep those questions before you.  
Only the foolhardy venture forth unassisted.  
I come to issue a word of warning
and one of welcome and hope.