A Prayer for DepartureMy friend, you take this journey now,And though I do not follow you yet,I will

A Prayer for Departure

My friend, you take this journey now,
And though I do not follow you yet,
I will one day. Guide me then, as I guide you.

The firelight has called to you,
Carried you forth on its smoke,
And opened the way for you to travel.

Come first to the Ferryman,
The old man who waits beside the shore:
Give him these coins I gave you.

Across forgetful waters, he carries you safely,
To the hungry dog who waits,
Spots above his eyes, to greet you.

You shall pass this hungry guardian,
Whose watchful gaze prepares you,
And find yourself with choices to make.

To the left, I ask you, turn your feet,
And skirt the House of the King;
Do not stop with others to drink at the Cypress.

Travel forward, instead, to your destiny,
And, challenged at the next pool, speak:
“A Child am I of Earth and Starry Heaven,”
And drink deep of your memories there.

#PrayerADay #ADFDruidry

[image description: an otherworld map, with challenges marked, by Rev. Michael J Dangler]