September 8, 2005

44 - A-Hay, A-Ho

On this day, my 44th birthday, the best gift I could give myself was a day off work to go paddle. I didn't want to go far, but the weather has been so nice so I paddled across Belmont Bay for Giles Run.

A-Hay
A-Hay, A-Ho
Four times at your eastern door
Where your children will be born
Where their future will be formed
In that still part of dawn
On the earth I'll kneel upon
In respect my head I'll bow
In ancient tongue I'll make a vow
A-Hay...yo

In the center of the bay I would occasionally pass something very white and sparkled. I had seen something like this before, but never investigated it very closely. I stopped beside one of these things glistening in the bright sunshine and picked it up. It was a feather and was covered with tiny bubbles. I took a few pictures before paddling on.

A-Hay
A-Hay, A-Ho
The Southern winds blow to and fro
Grandfather show us spirit way
To guide our steps throughout the day
In the innocence of life
Will comfort all eternal strife
And I will learn to walk along
With gratitude both great and strong
A-Hay...yo

As I entered the mouth of Giles Run, the fragrance of little white flowers growing wild along the point made me take pause to sit and enjoy the moment. Ducks flew in and out of the creek on the eastern side, while construction and yard maintenance sounds dominated the western side.

A-Hay
A-Hay, A-Ho
Grandmother of the western shore
Show us how to understand
The beauty of this sacred land
Creator it's to you I plead
At this time it's strength I need
To walk in balance on this earth
Giving thanks for my rebirth
A-Hay...yo

Giles Run is a poster child for urban runoff into the Potomac River. Heavily fertilized yards sweep down a dark green slope to the edge of the water. One yard had a one foot high fence two feet from the water. Between this fence and the creek a band of dark brown from being sprayed with weed killer. It's difficult not to get angry knowing that throughout the watershed this is repeated over and over again, contributing to algae blooms and fish kills.

A-Hay
A-Hay, A-Ho
To the North the old ones go
Reflecting Wisdom deep within
Echoes of the circles end
White Eagle fly up to the sun
Look upon us all as one
In reverent prayer I'll call your name
In reverent peace I will remain
A-Hay...yo

A-HAY, A-HO
Written by Kristine Robin