We gathered together, for close to a year. We are seven writers.  Some of us are published authors, some not.  We range in age from early 20s to early 80s.  We represent a variety of cultures from the three countries we were born in and the nationalities that form our heritage.  We have lived on four different continents and travelled across a large part of this planet we call home. We are, each of us, far from our place of birth, some more so than others. Together we created  7° of Wisdom.

This is an excerpt from our book:

Aging

Joss Burnel

You’re getting old
they say
Not everyone
has the privilege
of aging.

Of becoming
old and frail
old and
powerful.

Playing through
childhood
Dancing through
our youth
unaware of
what the years
will bring of
travail and sorrow.

We give
promises
to our self
to others
Contracts are
signed
agreements made

And the gods
laugh
not smirking
not poking fun
a laughter born
of wise knowing

Plans, goals
wishes
none of them
can stand
the winds
of sad fortune.
Frivolity has its
day
The landscape
changes at will.

We join hands
we share
goodbyes
We hold one
another close
pouring out
love
and laughter.

We stand
alone
too often
seeking connection
hungry to be
known.

With age comes
awareness
that the only day
to be our
true selves
is this moment

Life becomes
more precious
the longer we
are here

A child’s
wild laughter
the beat of
a hummingbird’s
wing
the consummate
beauty of
winter’s rose

The trail ends
and all
that is left
is the whisper
of beauty.

We age
gracefully
violently
aware
of love’s
continuity
in the memory
of laughter’s
pause

The mystery of
forever
calls us to
join in the
dance of the
starlit night.

 

(7° of Wisdom / Welcome to Our Circle is available, in paperback and eBook format here )