FESTIVALS IN THE SOUTHLANDS
Katherine Rudolph
All of the Festival times – have both inner and outer approaches.
Lands of the North can rejoice – for their seasons, their in-breath and out-breath,
Are to be seen in accordance – with Nature’s own growing and wilting.
Lands of the South can develop – a sense of the life after dying;
Bountiful kingdoms of Nature – aren’t there as they were in the body:
Thanks to the meaning of Easter! – Rejoice in the joy of the Northlands.
Carry the inner cognition – in soul-life of colours respiring.
Paint now the colour of purple – deep into the yellow light shining:
Wood of the Cross thus arises – Adorn it with Roses resplendent.
Part Two
Lent of the abnegation – may penetrate all earthly matter.
Fasting for purification – makes ready the vessel receptive.
Yet not the promise of springtime – of Nature’s bright regeneration :
Rather, the droughts and charred branches – bereft of the green leaf’s effulgence
Greet us here deep in the South – where the Phoenix arises from ashes.
‘Lazarus! Strive to arise now. – Rise up and encounter life’s Glory!’
Here every one in the Southlands – may overcome death in Adonis.
Now disregarding decay – shall the forces of Michaelmas’ yearning
Help us unite in our faith – and prevail, as the new light is dawning.
Willing to rise out of sorrow – we’ll not accept all of the credit.
All of mankind would be withered – were it not for the deed of Golgotha.
Blossoms eternal now flourish; – in the cosmos are manifestations.
As we go into the evening; – bright. star-beams surround the South Cross.
Friends have departed; but midnight – still leads to a shimmering morning.
Harvest the hidden communion – of living and dead in one labour.
Painting the archetypal – in blossoms and plant-life, assuages
Burnt-out and desolate sorrow. – Colours surmount dead grey matter.
Balancing processes conquer; – the Christ-Will is breathing inside us.
Flower of Resurrection! – From calyx to larynx, it blossoms;
So let us sing and recite – in such feeling, the soul-pain disperses.
Praised be the power of forgiveness. – We witness the Christ’s Resurrection
In every deed that is selfless – in each living Rose of resurgence!