PASSING THE HAT - a different version

Oak leaves woven deftly into a circlet,

from the fairest of the fair -

a crown for the presiding one.

All are equal in honour, not all are equal in

privilege.

The mighty oak rises where once an acorn dropped,

searching roots sent into alluvial soil

and broad branches reaching skyward

blest by the sun.

Harbour to lichen, caterpillars, and chaffers,

it hosts a diverse community of creatures

fulfilling the symbiotic cycle

of giving and receiving, complying with privilege.

At high noon the crown goes

from him who attained it

passing from head to head.

The pattern moves sunwise

until it comes back to him who sent it out.

The crown is returned to the earth.

Full circle completed.

 

Kaaren Whitney

Summer Solstice 2003

 

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