The Drum

My "small stone" for January 22

My feet hear the beat and they change their stride.

They move to the rhythm of the drum.

Suddenly I am no longer walking,

But twirling and dancing!

This is one of those divine times

She smiled…

I was sent just what I needed,

and I didn’t even know I needed it!

            Just about a month I ago I took a trip to the labyrinth.  It was sunny, warm, and I needed some contemplative time.  As I was walking my path a woman appeared.  She was carrying a percussion box and several drums.  She set up and began to tap out a rhythm, one easy to amble to.  My feet moved in time with her cadence.  Slow….faster….swaying……

            I could hear her softly chanting and I remember thinking that she had a sweet voice.  Still my feet moved.  As I headed back out of the labyrinth I was dancing, I was smiling, I felt better!

            I walked over to her and thanked her.  I said it was just what I needed.  She said that she felt called to practice at the labyrinth that day.  We spoke for while, realized we had friends in common and even exchanged phone numbers.  I hadn’t really thought about that “chance” meeting until yesterday.

            The seemingly endless rain had stopped.  The sun was out.  It was a beautiful day and a holiday…time to commune a bit with Mother Earth, time to go to the labyrinth. 

            I watched the squirrels frolic, took a few breaths and began my walk.  The world melted away and then I heard that beat…you know, the one my feet can’t resist!  I looked up, saw her and smiled.  She waved back.  I continued to walk, she continued to drum,  both in our own little worlds but conscious of one another.  Chanting, swaying, singing, dancing…I had needed some positive energy and here She was, the drumming Goddess!

            “I came out here to celebrate,” she told me, “It’s my birthday!”

            “Happy solar return,” I smiled.

            We said our good-byes, yet, I get the distinct feeling our paths will cross again!