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Physics and Faeries
Andi Graf © 1998-2012
 
The wholeness of creation
is alive within me,
principles of time and space
and synchronicity.
In its simplest form
and in its complexity,
the wholeness of creation
is alive within me.
 
Chaos and order,
elements evolutionary;
physics through to faeries,
science and mystery.
Universes, multi-verses
dimensions of reality
many of which I cannot see,
yet, the wholeness of creation
 is alive within me.





The Crucifix & the Pentagram
Andi Graf © 2002-2012
 
God,
 
I know that you love us
and have given us choices
to see you as we opt
to hear your many voices…
 
Please help me Goddess
to hear you very clear,
to never stray far from you
to always keep you near…
 
And help your other children
who hear a different tune;
still your voice undoubtedly
in temple, church or moon.
 
Help us all to honour you
in the way that we perceive,
to put away our differences and
in your name to believe.
 
Help to heal our world
with crucifix and pent*
lift me above my lower self
make me your instrument.
 
 * Pentagram
 




The Maiden, the Mother and the Crone
Andi Graf © 1999-2012
 
Cast me a circle of bright blue light,
and my Spirit shall whistle a tune.
Blow a kiss to our Queen of the night
most perfect and beautiful Moon.
 
Evoke the Elements one by one
to guard the quarters four,
God, Goddess, Daughter and Son
bonded forever more.
 
Drum me a beat on the tightened hide
transporting me into my Soul,
the tempo, the sound, the pulse inside,
and heat from the bonfire coal.
 
Universal Life Force Energy
expanding within my space,
raising vibrational frequency,
developing at my own pace.
 
Oh, cast me a circle of bright blue light,
my Spirit shall feel much at home;
blow a kiss to our Queen of the night,
the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone...





Pied-Piper dance
Andi Graf © 2001-2012
 
He danced the Labyrinth
in trance-like step
as children followed him around.
The flames in the fire soared and leapt
while his feet caressed the ground.
 
The drummers birthed
a rhythmic beat
that filled the African sky.
I watched at a distance from my grassy seat
as the Moon shone down from high.
 
Pied-Piper dance,
his arms were raised
the children followed in glee,
my heart smiled, my spirit swayed
as if he were dancing for me…






The Goddess
Andi Graf © 2001- 2012
 
The Moon was full and shining bright
in my Circle and in me.
My altar glowed by candlelight
as I touched divinity.
 
My child you came – She softly said
in the silence of the call,
Her words filled me as I fed
on her love for each and all.
 
I recall,  She said a time before
when you asked me to reveal;
then you knocked upon my sacred door
to receive my holy seal.
 
The path you chose brought you
deep within your soul.
You saw me there, I saw you too –
- two aspects of the whole…
And finally you began to see
with Spirit eyes and mind,
that I am you and you are me
together for all time.
 
The Moon is full and you have come
to honour me – through you.
My child, I thus bless you,
as I know you bless me too.






God Manifest
Andi Graf © 2000-2012
 
I will never forget it,
the quickening of my Spirit
as you spoke the words
of the Horned One.
 
In an instant you were He
and a velvet prophesy
of Sacred words
from your lips did come…







Grandmother Tree
Andi Graf © 2003-2012
 
A young rose is beautiful,
fragrant, bold and fresh.
A brief moment of youthfulness
and reckless loveliness...
But if it were any wiser
the shrub would surely say:
I’ll spare my fragile strength,
become an old tree someday…
 
The wise one’s have gathered
away from the youthful crowd
in forests and groves they stand
tall, strong and proud…
Always willing to share
with all who will hear and see,
that youth, while very desirable,
is only temporary…
 
Each clan has such a forest
where all eventually go
to find beauty in stillness
to let wisdom quietly grow…
In one such family grove
stands a tree tall and strong,
she’s the Matriarch of our forest
she’s the centre of our Bond…
 
Her roots run wide and deep,
family blood in her veins…
She gave up youth a long time ago
her body now twisted in pain…
She secured and gave strength
to the extended family wood
as only a loving Grandmother Tree
in a nurtured family grove could…
 
In time each of us will join her
securing our sacred ground;
we too will grow tall and strong
sheltering all around.
Long after the old tree has fallen
will Her loving presence remain;
as the cycle of life continues
in the Matriarch’s family name…





Adventures of a baby bird
(a poem for young children)
Andi Graf © 1998-2012
 
Mommy bird and baby bird
were living in their nest.
Mommy said "it's time for you
to have a little rest.
While asleep I shall go
to fetch a few supplies,
now do not leave our little nest
for you're to young to fly!"
 
She tucked him in and off she went
expecting him to rest,
but dear oh dear the baby bird
was tired of the nest!
He stretched himself to take a peek
at the world outside his home,
lost his balance and tumbled down
toward a world unknown.
 
Splash! He landed in the water, far below,
he had not even learned to fly,
of swimming he did not know!
Luckily Mr. frog was baking in the sun
when down came baby birdie still sucking at his thumb...
Frog rescued birdie from the water cold
and dried him in the sunlight
where he began to scold...
 
But, at this time there was a snake
looking for food to eat,
he saw the frog and birdie
and slithered to their feet.
The frog knew there was trouble
he took baby by the hand
and hopped away frantically
toward the higher land.
 
But snake was fast and followed
his dinner was in sight!
"Oh no!" shouted baby bird
shaking now with fright.
Mommy bird was almost home
when she heard her baby cry.
She dived down, grabbed them both,
and up she did fly.
 
When in the nest, baby bird
vigorously began to shake
while mommy bird scolded him
about the dangerous snake.
"I'm sorry mom" cried baby bird
"about not heeding you.
If it were not for Mr. Frog
I would now be birdie-stew!"
 
Mommy put her arms
around her baby wren.
"yes my love", she said to him,
"now, will this happen again?"
"No..." sighed little baby,
snugly in his nest,
"for I have learned that mommy
always does know what is best..."
 
"Thank you Mr. Frog
for saving me from the snake,
I sure am sorry
that I chose to stay awake!
The moral of the story"
he continued, "is clear to see,
mommy really does know
what is best for me..."
 
With this he closed his eyes
and snuggled up tight,
"I love you little birdie" said mom,
"God bless you, and good night..."





Lammas
Andi Graf © 2000-2012
 
Cycle of Blessings
it’s harvesting time
first fruit of our labours
mundane and divine.
 
Autumn creeps nearer
longer nights abound
Lammas upon us
as the wheel turns around.





Tender Traveller
Andi Graf © 1999-2012
 
On this path of self finding
I met a journeyman
who in his silent manner
taught me all that he can…
 
In tender stolen moments
twin spirits blended and flowed,
reaching into my deepest core
as we gently shared and growed.
 
This loving gentle traveller
demonstrated more in less
than any other on my path
with his touch of tenderness.
 
When I’m old and wiser
one memory will keep me fresh;
my moment with this journeyman
as he taught me tenderness…





Autumn Treasure
Andi Graf © 2000-2012
 
We’re living in a treasure grove
the trees have told,
the ocean knows.
Every time we turn around
another jewel waits to be found…
 
An autumn leaf turns to gold,
it teaches of the gifts untold
that visit us
when youth is gone,
a wiser, deeper older song…
 
A moistened shell on the beach
smiles knowingly
as we reach understanding
and maturity,
to simply live and simply Be…

Blues
Andi Graf © 1999-2012
 
Smokey sounds swirling
towards me
Inside me
alive as it grows
in intensity.
 
Her voice is an instrument
yearning,
stretching
Colouring - as it moves -
everything blue...





Protection
Andi Graf © 2000-2012
 
Did you see it?
In the maddening crowd
Was a space untouched and pure…
 
It was round
And in its belly
Stood a Pagan, strong and sure.
 
As she walked by
In her circle
It embraced her like a shield,
 
And regardless
Of the frenzied crowd,
Her protection did not yield…
 



God’s Reflection
Andi Graf © 1998-2012
 
I have seen God
in the hues of the sunrise,
on the wings of a dragon-fly,
in the depth of a child's eyes.
 
She has appeared
in the smallest of things,
sometimes just a kind smile
or the comfort a kind heart brings.
 
These moments hold a mirror
into which we all can stare,
for God reflects back onto us
reminding us that She's there.
 




The Charge of the Goddess
Andi Graf © 1999-2012
 
Gather together my daughter, my son,
bring your Athame, Cauldron and Wand.
Beneath full Moon assemble in ring,
ask in my name, and gifts shall I bring.
 
When casting my Circle, do so with maize
my birds shall feed and insects graze.
Unspoilt should be my land after thee,
glowing with healing energy.
 
Gather my students if you will learn
of my mysteries and secrets, while bonfires burn.
I am your teacher, wise and true,
I am your Goddess, I live within you.
 
Keep pure your vision, do not go astray,
love all things that I place on your way;
prepare the path of Craft for my youth,
live always in virtue, walk always in truth.
 
"Do as ye will" I say to thee
"Ain it harm none" is my law of three.
Examine your thoughts, strive to bring light
and I shall be with you as I am tonight.






Southern Hemisphere Evocation
Andi Graf © 2004 - 2012
 
Evoke
 
Matriach! Fertile Soil
Queen of Earth, Rich and Royal;
Lady Gaia from Southern Seat
Mother Earth! Merry Meet!
 
Master of the atmosphere,
Sharp intellect, thinking clear;
Mental prowess is Thy feat
Air be welcome, Merry Meet!
 
Visible energy, burning flame…
Northern Fire is your name…
I call upon your inner heat
passionate Creator, Merry Meet!
 
Amniotic ocean, Emotional sea,
From the Western gate you Be.
Fill my life with love complete,
clearest Water, Merry Meet!
 
Dismiss
 
Forest growth, prairie green,
Mother Nature, Goddess, Queen,
parent of prosperity
I take my leave, for now, from Thee.
 
Golden Power of the East
intuition and mental feast!
Guardian of the Air and Sky
I say to Thee a fond Good Bye!
 
Inner warmth, deepest fire,
inspiration, will, desire;
always burning in my heart,
Merry Meet, and Merry Part…
 
Vision Lake, deep inspiration,
clarity and divine compassion;
Aqua Dame, wishing well,
I bid to Thee a fond farewell.






Magic Spell
Andi Graf © 2000 - 2012
 
The birds fell into silence
while she gathered herbs and oils,
the witch began chanting
as her potion began to boil.
 
With outstretched arms above her
she imbued the magic spell,
the birds remained silent
when she knelt before the well.
 
Once done, she cast a circle
a vortex of energy
to enchant her magic potion
by the power of three times three.
 
Her circle filled with guests;
the Elements and her Guides,
she called upon the Creative Force
God and Goddess by her side.
 
A bright light birthed in rite
focused towards the spell.
She thanked Nature and Deity
for now all would be well.
 
As the birds resumed their song
she walked towards her room,
just a simple child of Nature
willing manifestation soon…




Imbolc Womb
Andi Graf © 2003-2012
 
Veteran mothers, matured
in the Imbolc of their womb,
rooted, fixed they gather
in preparation of their bloom.
At the feet of the Winterberg
where snow clouds hang low,
these seasoned, expectant fruit trees
await signs to bud and grow.
Theron’s Spruit has burst it’s banks
from abundant rainfall,
vineyards short and cropped
while in their resting, bare it all.
The countryside’s a-glitter
shades of emerald baptized in water,
Goddess cradles her waiting girth
in preparation of great re-birth.





Nelson Mandela - Father of the Nation
Andi Graf © 1998-2012
 
I
 
In the Land of his birth and destiny
an ordinary man was fighting to be free
from segregation
of the black nation, for humanity.
He was the symbol of justice in white courts
the paradigm of freedom for this he had fought,
he would not bend
until the end - was what he taught.
 
II
 
The strength of this cause would see him through,
the aspirations of his people was enough - he knew -
to fill his soul
while in the gaol, the time was due.
A father of the nation when at last released,
his people adored him, their self-esteem increased
and he was proud
to hear the crowd sing out aloud.
 
Chorus
 
Here my children is the land of our birth
which was gone for too long,
yet, with courage, faith and song
we have won.
Thus with pride and dignity and worth
we can honour this land
for together we must stand,
no longer banned.
Sing with pride and merriment and mirth.
 
III
 
Hate not your enemies, is what he told to all,
for they too were prisoners inside their very soul
but now are free,
like you and me - our common goal.
We'll cultivate a nation of which we can be proud,
the voices of our people will all sing out aloud
to start anew
this is our cue, this is the hour.
 
IV
 
Our valleys will echo the voices of all man,
our dreams will be carried on the winds across the sand
for we are free
with dignity, in this our land.
African children, people of all tribes,
we have taken back our country and taken back our lives,
now with respect
we shall protect, grow and thrive.
 
Chorus
 
Here my children is the land of our birth
which was gone for too long,
yet, with courage, faith and song
we have won.
Thus with pride and dignity and worth
we can honour this land
for together we must stand,
no longer banned.
Sing with pride and merriment and mirth.
 
Conclusion
 
We'll educate our children, off the land they'll feed,
we'll honour our country and never let it bleed,
for it is here
in Africa that we are freed.





Age of Beauty
Andi Graf © 1996-2012
 
As beautiful as the creases
in an old old tree,
so lovely are the faces
of our elderly.
Like the wrinkled ocean
of ages untold,
so is the beauty
on the face of our old.





African Jazz
Andi Graf © 1999-2012
 
Drumming the jazz with our fingers and toes
swooning sax
whites and blacks
in a smokey night club where the music flows;
brass entity
seducing me
into a world where only jazz grows.





San Giuliana Di Puglia
Andi Graf © 2002-2012
 
Angels come in all shapes and sizes
despite corruption,
amidst destruction.
 
Bleeding heart for babes that cried,
aching heart for babes that died
in the rubble on old Hallows Eve
as Mother Earth tore
our children
from our bosom.
Fathers, grieve…
 
Rest well little Angel
mamma loves you…
Mamma wants to
make it better…
I wanted to fetch ya’
before the sky caved in…
Unexpected separation,
unforgivable sin…
 
Say ‘Hello’ to God for me,
tell Him I wished that He
could be here,
in Italy…
Where Angels come in all shape and size
as mamma cries,
and baby dies…
 
(Author's note: Written in honour of the victims of the devestating earthquake on 31/10/2002 in the Italian village of San Giuliana Di Puglia.)