Bewildered A Fable about Kōtuku-ngutupapa, a Royal Spoonbill An elegant white hunter scythes waters with big black lips and red- ruby eyes. Four Little Black Shags watch from sand wedged broken sticks where river meets tide. “Kōtuku-ngutupapa that’s how we named her”, the elder spoke, then regaled her tale: “Out of elusive beginnings as dawn’s mist arose she just appeared. Elegant Kōtuku-ngutupapa over wild southern oceans flew, sought the lightener of dawn’s stars, head forward, legs trailing, plumes braced, her restless desires sought gratification. Empty horizons beckoned, soul-weary fought futility’s guile till Sorchar nan Reul, Jesus Christ, Lightener of the Stars came beside. His words redeemed discouraged eyes: Spirit of God restored her heart, plumbed the depths of her mind, wrestled futility's contempt, "Elegant Kōtuku-ngutupapa, don't put a time bind on God.” Lightener of the Stars warmed her heart, spoke, “Who makes a wasteland?” “Creatures deaf to your call, ” said she. He asked “Who makes a wilderness?” “Those who seek You, follow Your call.” Lightener of the Stars stirred her heart; “Look down, see where river meets tide go amid this wasteland, Hymn to God of wilderness, speak from your centre, let them speak from theirs.” The Elder turned to the Little Black Shags, “Her flight disrupted, bewildered, Kōtuku-ngutupapa appeared, Hymned to Lightener of the Stars, the tide turned, a sanctuary born.” © Craig A Roberts, 2022 [Sorchar nan Reul a Gàidhlig poetic name for Jesus Christ]
From Waymarks: Pilgrim Journeys. Upcoming release. Take a Glimpse
Photo: Adobestock