Julia at http://jfb57.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/100-word-challenge-for-grown-ups-week41/ has created a new challenge for this week. The prompt is a photo and the words ‘A pile of bones’.
This is my response.
A Rainbow of Wings
Grandfather’s shell reached the cliff of passing
each pressed mahogany hands to their heart.
A fleece bag at his waist
they filled with gold.
‘Grandfather, descend the chasm
rejoin the earth of our fathers.
Ancient ones, welcome the flesh of your son.
Take his earthly remains
and breathe his soul
into the child that waits.’
The old being fell, shattered, into the abyss
where a haunting of vultures
created a pile of bones
dotted with precious element.
A rainbow of wings rose to sing
welcome to the new life,
as the spirit heralded the grandchild
flourishing forth with first breath.
Lucid Gypsy 
Very elegant in a bittersweet way, Gilly.
Thanks Marcy, elegant – what a lovely comment!
Excellent. I really enjoyed that.
Cheers Isobel 🙂
Wow! What a beautifully constructed piece. I loved ” A rainbow of wings rose to sing
welcome to the new life,” Bittersweet contrasts indeed.
Your comments are so kind Anna, thank you so much 🙂
Very nice, Miss. G!
Thanks, I appreciate your visit!
Another beautifully written piece. Very evocative of the cycle of life and death.
Ah thanks so much!
Another beautiful piece Gilly! I love how easily you weave imagery from different cultures!
There is nothing I enjoy more and being here is a great way of learning about other cultures, thanks Madhu 🙂
this is not only clever but lovely Gilly
Thanks Jo, you’re a dear!
I went to poetry too…something evocative and spiritual about bones…you did a great job imaging the ‘haunting of vultures’ to the ‘rainbow of wings’…moving us through the emotions. Thanks.:)
You write such lovely descriptions. Someone above mentioned bittersweet contrasts. I see those, too. And sadness. I’ve always seen so much sadness in this kind of sacrifice, even though it’s been a part of many cultures since ancient times.
Thanks Sparks, you’re very kind!
This was a really haunting poem. I agree with Sparks – so much sadness.
Thanks Sally-Jayne, it’s happened because I find bones very sad, I don’t think they should be on display.
Such a lovely spirit-journey, expressed in a beautiful flow of words.
Ah bless you Judee!
A beautiful and haunting poem.
Thanks Susan I’m always happy when a poem actually seems to work!
Beautiful words Gilly.
Thanks TBM I’m happy that you visited me 🙂
Nice!
Thank you 🙂
Facinating. I can hear an echo through the ages.
Thanks honey, it worked then!
Brilliant! Where is your photo? 🙂
You’re right Elizabeth, thanks and I’ve added it now but it’s Julia’s not mine!
That’s beautiful, Gilly! You have such talent for creating a simple yet lovely scene. I especially like the evocative imagery – a haunting of vultures, a rainbow of wings. I especially like the circle of life that is created, here. Just gorgeous. 🙂
Thanks Mayumi, what a lovely comment!
“A rainbow of wings rose to sing” – this line is so touching. I loved this, Gilly.
Tender and bittersweet indeed. Lovely ….
Izzy bless you, I so love it when you visit me!
A truly Inspiring take on death and re-birth, Gilly, I love it!
Jacqueline thanks so much I’m glad you like it 🙂
I’ve always found the concept of ‘spirit’ passing on into new life quite intriguing and you’ve captured that beautifully here. Nice work.
Thanks Sandra, its part of millions of peoples belief system isn’t it? I find it fascinating too. 🙂
Beautifully composed and thought-provoking. Nicely done!!
My favourite piece this week. You’ve bought such beauty and ritual to the process of death and rebirth. I love the seamless marrying of the unseen spirit and physical reality.