Having moved to Scotland’s outer reaches 
too far for first-footing with whiskey and coal
I pen this blessing
for first days in your first owned home:

May your foundations be firm, earth secure.
May staunch walls protect from piercing winds.
Let your stout oak door give wide welcome
to those of good heart, stay shut to ill intent.
Let there be fire in the hearth, 
warmth in the dwelling’s core.

May you offer the refreshment of a broad table
to those who come your way
serve drink to assuage the day’s thirst.
At night may there be comfort and rest in goose-down beds.

Seek vision through crystal clear windows —
stars gracing the black domed sky
to remind you of far off friends
wishing you well.

[Author’s Note: Handsel — A gift bestowed to commemorate an inaugural occasion, event or season, e.g. the beginning of the year, the first visit to a friend’s new home or the commencement of a new undertaking, the wearing of new clothes, etc., with the idea of bringing good-luck to the recipient.] 

[Kaaren Whitney is a Poetry Advocate encouraging all to do with poetry besides being a professional homeopath for 45 years. Born in the USA, she gained insight into the land, people and herself while living first in Norwalk and Fairfield CT and then in London and finally for the last 30 years in Suffolk. Here she has been ‘educated’ by patients and life as well as Nature by being a guardian for her Tree circle and Labyrinth throughout the seasons where rituals and meditation are given high priority. Her book of poems, all illustrated with colour photographs by Jim Nind, is ‘The Turning of the Year: A Book for 8 Seasons’  (Solstice-Equinox Press 2016 ISBN 9 780993 578007)) Kaaren can be contacted at kaaren.whitney@icloud.com]