calling up berba

                                              Donna Wright, 2026

A breath away from gone      

when we break the circles

disrupt the flow

turn tables on the tide

when we choke the cord

lose a life

forget the cause

and wonder why

we are a breath away from gone

There are sacred circles that ensure the survival of the natural world. This is one such circle. You see, Freshwater Pearl Mussel seals the sacred circle of the life of the river. She is the gleaner whose steady flow, in and out, in and out, washes water, pure and clear. The circle runs the Salmon, up and down the River. Pearl Mussel entrusts Salmon to cradle her babies, and they glean, suckling salmon skin, until the lively youngsters launch.

but if the river chokes the cord

if the water taints and torments

little mussel fails

falls away

fades away

Freshwater Pearl Mussel, her pearls of wisdom dug in deep, will keep the circle for a hundred years and more, her gifts to the River Goddess, held in trust.

but if we break her circle

disrupt her flow

turn tables on the tide

then we’ll choke her cord

lose a life

and then we’ll know

we’re a breath away from gone

 Donna Wright, 2026

for safekeeping                                  
             bog breathes . moth holds

    it’s a delicate balance

circles and cycles

coming

catching

cradling

   completing

leamhain to

ceannabháin come

ceannabháin to
leamhain come

snow fields of feather

light

bright as may moth

   bealtaine

   come

   leamhain

a whimsy held in promise

a secret whisked away

on powder wings

on cotton dust

   for safekeeping