Grey, you have walked with me faithfully
through the ages, among the birches,
by the river running red, in a
dark wood where nothing was understood.

You held me together from Chartres
to my sacred forest there and here
you helped me hold myself together
against all odds. I only realized

Yesterday that though I did not paint
you, one I knew, until a decade
ago, that you were there when I was
a little girl thrown to wolves, fighting

For my life and theirs. And when I cried
out in agony you howled for
them too. Long I have wandered, waited
for some sign though I knew not what sign

Or where to find it. My life is but
mystery. I am lost within it,
strangeness, haze. And you have been only
solace, sure thing, serendipity.

You in strength and silence, were both sword
and shield, my fierce protection still.
For long you spoke for me, sang to me,
stood with me in transformation's fire.

Grey, may you walk now with animals
everywhere. Protect them, heal them, give
them all your love and help them reclaim
full nature of wildness and wonder.

From time to time I hope you find me
to remind me who I was and am
now becoming and to sing to me
my soul's song in earth's sanctuary.