RAVEN

I have much respect for Raven, and its wisdom, a companion when sketching in the wilderness. Raven sees all.  I believe that Raven is my spirit guide having followed me as I've sketched and painted across Canada.

The Raven (Part I) 

The raven soared on the wind 

and drifted south to lands condemned, 

where crows, 

and other creatures, 

much despised, 

lived lonely lives on land depleted, 

of forests green, 

and sparkling waters. 

As if to test

he called a challenge, 

and far below, 

a crow was wakened. 

Taking flight - 

it issued warning. 

High above 

The raven 

saw the crow take flight, 

and struggle

to achieve height. 

Another crow was soon to follow, 

soon another, 

and then another. 

Screaming threats

the crows ascended. 

The raven wondered at the mystery, 

and wheeling on a thermal 

was soon ascending, 

higher,

then higher. 

The crows were tiring 

as the raven 

caught a northern breeze, 

and drifted,

with ease, 

to a land of sparkling waters, 

and tall green trees. 

A land called Algonkin. 

The Raven (Part II) 

Time passes, as time does. 

The crows, 

in search of forests green, 

and pristine waters, 

an errant wind did bring. 

Algonkin was no longer 

the place that it had been. 

Taking flight 

The raven soared with the wind 

and drifted to a land 

where time began, 

when ice retreated and water receded. 

To a land 

with worn mountains as white as snow. 

With trees that whisper, 

and with lakes - 

clear and cold. 

To a land 

where time stands still. 

A land called Anishinawbek. 

The Raven (Part III) 

Time passes, as time does. 

When,

one morning,

in twilight’s stillness 

The raven awakened with a start. 

Weak, 

and tired,

from journeys endless, 

he sensed his end was near. 

Once more

he summoned up his strength 

and soared to heights

he'd long forgotten. 

The raven soared

on raging winds,

high above a shining sea, 

to a place with rushing rivers, 

worn mountains, and tall fir trees. 

To the land of Gichigami. 

And in this place of solitude 

The raven remembered, 

quiet moments,

and memories long forgotten.

And as time passed, as time does, 

with failing breath, 

and dimming vision, 

The raven’s spirit 

soared. 

The Raven (Part IV) 

The raven’s spirit lingers in those places, 

where once he wheeled and soared. 

Impressions made upon those encountered, 

will live, 

forever more. 

Ernest Somers

Final Revision May 9, 2009