Summer Solstice

Four women gather at dusk

two mothers and four daughters 

to mark the longest day. 

They sit upon the earth  

in a circle formed with candles

 enveloped in darkness.

They pass from hand to hand

a bowl with cedar, sage and sweet grass 

and bathe in the fragrant smoke. 

They call upon the powers

the four elements, the eight directions

and the nine sacred gifts.

They offer up their prayers

for the People,  for the Planet

from deep within their souls.

They put energy into their prayers

with voices woven into harmonies

and intentions fueled by love.

Four women gather at dusk

Two mothers and four daughters

to mark the longest day.