July #4

Easy, Do What's Right
A Dedication

I walk in procession

by candlelight, 

cloaked in white 

for my pure intention. 

We form a circle. 

I make affirmation

claiming myself as Goddess,

Daughter of the Divine.

The two women presiding

gently remove the white, 

enfold me

in my own rich magenta.

Earlier, my magenta cloak

lay stretched across the altar

between the candelabra

and the ceremonial sword.

Alone in the temple

I, who in my long life

bent the knee to none,

was moved to kneel to the Goddess.

Private vows; public avowal.

Afterwards all the women dance,

and I with them,

in our cloaks of light.

I am wrapped

in the peace of the Goddess,

embraced by the warmth

of my sisters.

I walk forward

into this new, late stage of life

and find it easy,
knowing it is right.

— Rosemary Nissen-Wade