The Unknown Path
By Maidie Emerson Barnitz
Through all the lengths of blossoming things
In woods I take my way,
Glad of the light, and life, and all
The license of the day.
Where two and two in lengthening lines
The trees around me stand,
As if a force for my escort,
Were sentinels on each hand.
And sometimes still amidst their heights
A little leaf-hid bird
Sends out a single silver call,
Indifferent, all who heard.
The sweet, small flowers and trailing vines
About my feet are spread,
And over all the trees I see
The sky still overhead.
And far beyond the rest that is
I hear the sounding sea,
As if the heart of all earth's life
Which thrills and throbs through me.
And still I know shall come a time
When from the place I stand
The endless sky shall open out
To distance on each hand.
Shall know the meaning which I sought,
And my perplexed way
In all respects shall be revealed
Within eternal day.
A distant relative, Maidie Emerson Barnitz was one of the three daughters of Col. Albert Barnitz. She died in 1910 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery with her parents. Col. Albert Barnitz was a first cousin of McPherson Barnitz, who lived in the city of Washington (now known as Washington D.C.) 5 generations ago.
As I read this in my heart, my eyes filled. I felt like it connected me. Spoke to me. Grounded me. Right here, within my own family over 100 years ago...someone else felt this incredible energy, passed it through their heart, and let it hold onto their being. The timing was right for me to experience Maidie's words and depth of entanglement. As I continue forward on my spiritual journey, I consistently feel the pull to know all that I am, to remember all that I am, so I can fully step into myself. I received this a few days before Samhain, a celebration at the end of harvest which ushers in the quiet season of winter for reflection & growth. It is also a time to connect with and honor your ancestors while the veil between dimensions is at its thinnest.
Thank you Maidie. Thank you Leona. Thank you Beula. Thank you Bridget.