Welcome Home

I am sitting by a wood cooking fire. There are large pots resting on its iron grate, filled with enough stew and rice to feed the entire family. The fire warms my feet, and the delicious smell of the woodsmoke permeates my handmade clothing. The familiar texture of wool and the rythm of spinning fill my hands. As my spindle slowly drops to the ground, I let myself become transfixed by the fire, and am content.

Occasionally, I get up to stir the pots, filled with food and love. I lift the lid, and the smell of the stew wafts into the air and dances with the floating guitar melodies. A half-naked child appears and runs by me giggling. Two men sit on the ground playing a game, and a woman spontaneously starts singing while she chops vegetables.

I return to my seat by the fire, and continue to spin. I am with my family, and I am home.

Vermont Rainbow Gathering
August 3, 2008