A few weeks ago, we went into the woods, and I took this photo of the three wee mushrooms, sitting placidly in that beech. The woods right now are a feast for all the senses: birdsong, the scent of mushrooms, the rustling leaves, those succulent trunks… and now and again a human bean with a smile on their face. All that beauty drove my mind into a poem, an autumn blessing, of which I wrote an english version today:
An Autumn Blessing
to be susurrated into the wild wind, accompanied by the rustling leaves
May you be safe
in a nest of warmth and colours
soft and cozy and warm
May your head be brave
stuck out into the wind
upwards and outwards and free
May your nostrils be flared
intoxicated by forests and fields
ruddy and eager and wide
May your ears be happy
in the bluster and boom
awake and chilly and alert
May your mouth be laughing
while tasting and kissing and singing
luscious and soft and full
May your hands be curious
touching and catching and gathering
unerring and strong and warm
May your skin be blessed
Sheltered in all kinds of weather
velvety and soft and resilient
May your eyes be full
Wallowing in the colours of the glowing embers
orange and red and golden
May your soul be free
In the wild autumn storms of this world
eternal and holy and peaceful
May you be safe
In a nest of warmth and colours
soft and cozy and warm
Today we have a stormy day, the leaves fly high into the sky and rap against our doors and windows. The house is groaning and moaning. The cats are sleeping on the softest blankets they can find, and I am trying to restore some kind of everyday routine. Perfect time for an autumn blessing, don’t you think? Say it for yourself or for somebody else: my favour and love for humankind will resonate with every syllable.
Have a good time, whatever your plans may be, you have my autumn blessing in any case!
Heartfelt, wherever you are,
©Johanna Ringe , Ingelheim am Rhein on a stormy 28th of october 2025 – Quote with indication of source!
A few weeks ago, we went into the woods, and I took this photo of the three wee mushrooms, sitting placidly in that beech. The woods right now are a feast for all the senses: birdsong, the scent of mushrooms, the rustling leaves, those succulent trunks… and now and again a human bean with a smile on their face. All that beauty drove my mind into a poem, an autumn blessing, of which I wrote an english version today:
An Autumn Blessing
to be susurrated into the wild wind, accompanied by the rustling leaves
May you be safe
in a nest of warmth and colours
soft and cozy and warm
May your head be brave
stuck out into the wind
upwards and outwards and free
May your nostrils be flared
intoxicated by forests and fields
ruddy and eager and wide
May your ears be happy
in the bluster and boom
awake and chilly and alert
May your mouth be laughing
while tasting and kissing and singing
luscious and soft and full
May your hands be curious
touching and catching and gathering
unerring and strong and warm
May your skin be blessed
Sheltered in all kinds of weather
velvety and soft and resilient
May your eyes be full
Wallowing in the colours of the glowing embers
orange and red and golden
May your soul be free
In the wild autumn storms of this world
eternal and holy and peaceful
May you be safe
In a nest of warmth and colours
soft and cozy and warm
Today we have a stormy day, the leaves fly high into the sky and rap against our doors and windows. The house is groaning and moaning. The cats are sleeping on the softest blankets they can find, and I am trying to restore some kind of everyday routine. Perfect time for an autumn blessing, don’t you think? Say it for yourself or for somebody else: my favour and love for humankind will resonate with every syllable.
Have a good time, whatever your plans may be, you have my autumn blessing in any case!
Heartfelt, wherever you are,
©Johanna Ringe , Ingelheim am Rhein on a stormy 28th of october 2025 – Quote with indication of source!