The ones who circle

We shall be known by the
company we keep
By the ones who circle
Round to tend these fires
we shall be known by the
ones who sow and reap
the seeds of change, alive
from deep within the earth

It is time now, it is time now
that we thrive
It is time we lead ourselves
into the well
It is time now, and what a
time to be alive
In this great turning we
shall learn to lead in love
In this great turning we
shall learn to lead in love

Karisha Longaker Mamuse

During the course of the pandemic, in early 2021, I was sequestered in a dear little flat beneath Arthur’s Seat here in snowy Edinburgh, hugely grateful to meet up for a walk with my lovely downstairs neighbour every 10 to 14 days or so, but otherwise learning the enormous value of ‘virtual, distance friendships.’

I’ve been thinking a lot about Liz, a gifted artist, musician and much else besides; a giving person who was utterly full of life and hope for the future of our world who, nonetheless, was diagnosed with a return of cancer a few months into our conversations, and with whom, virtually, via Instagram and WhatsApp, I went on to have the privilege of sharing her journey from it.

Liz kept on drawing, knitting socks, painting, playing and singing until her last ounce of strength. We became valued friends and would exchange songs and poetry and daydreaming about future post-pandemic freedoms – what a joy it would be to not need to wear a mask in supermarkets …

Today I’ve been thumbing through my journal and I came across a song that Liz had been singing with her ‘virtual choir.’ The remembrance has made my eyes water – with both sadness, great gladness, and profound gratitude. I have missed you, Liz. I have missed you. But, yes, ‘here, there and everywhere’ we shall be known ‘by the ones who circle / Round to tend these fires …’

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