The Spirit Tree: Blackwater Manor

Spirit tree in blackwater manor

If you happen to be wandering on the first day of fall.

If you wander through the black apple orchard.

If it is a new moon

If you get to the very last tree

If you breath in frost air three times without coughing

If you rest your head against the root

That root

The one that looks like an arm

Lay your head between the nodules

Take one more bite

This is important

That last bite

The sour

The grain

The sharp

You will chase that taste back to your body

Back to this world

Fold your hands over your heart

Close your eyes

Did I mention to only do this on the orchards side?

You are aware the tree wanders

Its roots go beneath the river

The tickle and gossip with the graves on the other side

Be certain you only speak to the spirits in the growing land

You are not prepared for what will happen

If you sleep where our dead rest

It is best to give them space

The river washes away

The message you will receive is cleansed

I make no promises for what you learn where the dirt is newly turned

Where the mushrooms and maggots tattle over sap

Where the want is lean and hungry

Where your pink heart beat is the music bones will dance to

You should be fine here

Bite the apple

Follow the taste back once you have learned what you must

You must

Why else would you take such a journey unless you must?

Follow the sharp taste back to your tongue until you can feel your teeth

Settle back into the marrow of your bones

Feel your skull

Taste your tongue

Test your voice

Remember to wake up

And tell us of what our old friends have to say.