THE CAMINO GOES ON

I made you a promise,

That I'd keep in touch.
We all say these words,
For they mean so much.

But do we now honour,
Our sacred oath still,
When we return to reality,
It's a true test of will.

For on the 'Camino',
Close friends we can make,
But we'll lose them its true,
If this care we forsake.

So put pen to paper,
Or call and say," hi ",
You can leave instant message,
If you're linked to wi-fi.

Two worlds have collided,
The day that we met,
We are friends now forever,
Lest we ever forget.

And take home a part,
Of the road we all shared,
Keep it e'er in our lives,
And forget being scared.

For once we became,
Part, of a family united,
Having love in our hearts,
And our friends we invited.

To keep on this road,
With the hope that it gave,
With our efforts rewarded,
And our love we will save.
























For Roar, my brother.

CRYSTAL TIDES

Sitting here now,
On the Atlantic shore.
I feel so relaxed,
I could want nothing more.

The journey complete,
Nowhere further to walk,
Enjoying the calmness,
As with friends I now talk.

So many long miles,
Have passed 'neath my feet,
On this road to adventure,
I am discovering, complete.

The warm ocean sounds,
Bring me back to this place,
And the sun on my skin,
Leaves a smile on my face.

69 HOURS

Seems kind of silly to say,
After so few hours in company.
That I could be,
Avoiding the finale,
Which will ultimately be sad.

We shared so many days,
Of pleasurable freeness and love,
That it is impossible to accept,
A future distinct than this.
I evoked in this memory,
A world which is open and happy,
Where dissappointment never rules.

And then we have only,
Sixty nine hours left of this journey,
accepting curtailment of plans.
But to be free of restraints,
We would never part, would we?
And continue to be friends.

A life of pure contentment,
We could share as an abundance,
And live in serenity and love.
Oh that we hold on to this,
That we never let go.





For my dear Chandiera.

ARRIVAL (PROCESSION OF PILGRIMS)

We came in rain.
It was so lovely,
To see the procession,
The pilgrim familys' arrival.

And these heavenly showers,
Hid my tears flowing,
Freely down my face,
The blessing of being.

We came as one,
Into the sacred city.
Finding solace in unity,
Our progress not hindered,
By the rain above.

Our joy, evident plainly,
On each face passing,
Into the plaza Obradoiro.

And I felt humbled,
sinking to my knees.
Kissing the aged stones,
To give great thanks,
For the, 'Camino de Santiago'.

THE JOURNEYS ENDING

Closing in, the miles erode,
And in my heart a pain.
Not quite an uncomfortable ache,
But not sadness either.
Getting nearer to the end,
The road seemed somehow easier.
As if the light were brighter,
And the joy, pushing me on.
But to achieve the goal,
I was in triumphant mood.
And yet to leave behind,
The friends so newly dear,
Was a feeling of losing something.
These lovely folk of peace,
And of a united soul,
Who helped me to see,
That, which I could not dream.
Surely, they will, as I,
Carry on this journey forever,
Beyond Santiago and this land.
For what we have shared,
Must not be lost at all....

KINGS OF LEON II

From the east they came,
Into the sun,
And with their love,
They bid me warm welcome.

A group so small,
They carried a world,
Of love and peace in abundance,
That I may be refreshed.

Weary from days walking,
I bathed in this kindness.
They simply were, graciousness,
Sharing their precious gifts.

Unto their spread table,
I was granted to eat,
The fruits of their labours,
Spending hours with rejoicing.

These four quiet souls,
With an ocean of love.
Gave to the point of exhaustion,
What a wonderful way.

And I saw only light,
From the joy they revealed.
Their powerful virtue,
Giving kindness to all.

I know now that love,
Can conquer us all,
Because I witnessed a miracle,
More than you know.

And these simple people,
Who displayed such power,
Rose in my understanding,
To be forever, THE KINGS OF LEON.





Again I pay homage to Uschi, Paul, Carina and Hanns.

IF YOU'RE GOING TO SANTIAGO

If you remember the song by Scott Mckenzie from the 60's (If you're going to Sanfransisco)
Then hum the tune as you read this poem aloud, like you are singing it. Enjoy!!



If you're going to Santiago,
Be sure to wear, a flower in your hair.
If you're going to Santiago,
Summertime, will be a paradise.



Change pace.



I see from every nation,
We've a new dedication....
To walking in motion.....
To talking in union... Aargh....


If you go now to Santiago,
Be sure to share, the love that you have........
And when you arrive, in Santiago,
No surprize, if others with you share.



Change pace.



We've a new generation,
We have great expectation.....
Of living in friendship......
Of giving our kinship........Aargh....


When your journey, to Santiago,
Helps you to share, with all the pilgrims there,
Days of grace, in Santiago,
Every other, will be a love affair.



Change pace.



So my great dedication,
Is for every nation.....
We may live in union.....
That we live in union.......Aargh.....


If you're going, to Santiago,
Be sure to pray, for all the people there.
That like here, in Santiago,
Our earth, will be a loving place......

Peace Love Unity x

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnmiWnq3bT4&feature=related

NOT QUITE THERE

The illusion is,
That we are near.
And the reality,
Tells us there is time.

So many miles
That have passed by.
And still more,
I have to endure ahead.

But the feeling,
Is that with patience,
I will arrive,
To the journeys last place.

Along the route,
The markers count down.
With each footfall,
My destiny comes so close.

My body aches,
As it faces the day.
And with evensong,
The place to rest so sweet.

Golden sunshine leads,
And Santiago is near.
Another few miles,
And I will find my joy.

On the threshold,
Of a city's welcome,
I sit for a while,
To reflect the marvellous way.

I come finally,
To see great hope.
Peace and reward,
As the mystery is revealed.

THE NIGHT OF A MILLION STARS

A strange devilment,
Asked me to contemplate,
Walking through the night.

A chance to see,
All that was visible,
Unto pilgrims of old.

That which had guided them,
The heavens and their mystery,
Thousands of souls before.

I never imagined,
That the celestial skies,
Were so busy at night.

Without the glare,
Of neon and sulphur lamps,
An enchanting blanket I beheld.

As powerful magic,
My heart was left in awe,
At this spectacular arena.

Cosmic energy beheld,
I felt humbled, and so tiny,
In the presence of beauty.

CRISTINA the CONQUEROR

Battles raging across time,
But she took the bridge.
As fearless as a warrior,
To vanquish all her fears.

Defiantly striding forward,
Against the dread of completing,
The road of sun and rain,
She conquered this army.

At her side, we strode on,
Crossing into the future.
The new and just battles,
Waged against fear and helplessness.

As the sun rose hotly,
Her armour became tiresome.
Yet Cristina moved ever ahead,
Yielding not to pain or hunger.

The evening finally arrived,
The days warfare, over for now.
She smiled, and lifted our spirits,
As her warrior song rang out.

SWORDS on the BRIDGE

Folly maybe, but fun.
Projecting back in time,
To the days of great swordsmen.
Lining the banks of the river,
To see the dual to come.

Good versus evil,
Was as ever challenged here,
Repressing the old way of warfare.
Swords drawn forcefully now,
And hearts beating faster.







Surveying the enemy,
Feeling his eyes moving furtively,
Seeking an advantage, a flaw.
The first lunge came now,
Pushed back with shining steel.

A fury of sparks,
Rang from the heavy weapons,
As the tirade became hopeless.
I saw my opponent left open,
And thrust forward quickly.

A horrible wail,
The pain of cold steel now,
Bringing the pointless finale,
To the dual of wits,
And my own downfall.

Heroes lost forever,
As saints died in pain.
And my own desires perished,
To see this tradgedy repeated,
Another drop of blood shed.

GALICIAN TELEPHONE

In the still mountain air,
We hear the cry,
Of a man telling tales,
From days, now gone by.

Across the dark miles,
His voice it rings out,
To a companion of old,
He proclaims in a shout.

I listen in Wonder,
About what they tell,
Corrupting the silence,
The old man does yell.

And back comes reply,
From so far away,
The call of amigos,
Not so easy by day.

But here in the moonlight,
The story takes shape,
Of a simple mans lifestyle,
And of sharing the grape.











Silhuoetted in a window,
The old man I spy,
And he notices us,
From the corner, of his eye.

So he breaks up his chat,
To show us the way,
Pointing clearly our path now,
And the town far away.

I wave to this man,
Then quietly walk on,
Wondering more of his calmness,
As he helped us along.

Then back to his chatting,
As if we'd not been,
In the strange moonlit night,
Nothing is what it seems....

FEEL the STAG

My feet stamp.
I drag the ground.
My breathing ragged.
Whorls of vapour rise,
As my arms widen.
Lungs drawing deeply,
Icy cold plumes inhaled.
Sensing the vigour,
About to be unleashed.
My chest rising powerfully.
Waiting.........waiting.......listening.......

















Then as one,

We charge unfettered.
Racing into life,
Galloping the meadow.
Bringing great speed,
And motion into legs,
Stretching still faster.
Racing........pacing........chasing.......
The wind arousing,
The fury of life,
In the heart of this stag....

DEWDROPS

As morning dew is on the ground,
The pilgrims pass, without a sound.
They take a glance, I catch their eye,
As peacefully, they walk on by.

Like me, they wonder, of the quest,
Which route, which path, could be the best.
And why we all, have come here,
It may be time to challenge fear.

Or maybe just some quiet time,
Our dreams and hope, we can refine.
Without the stress, the demands of life,
Our hearts are opened, emotions rife.

The texture of this morning dew,
Is like our hearts are feeling new.
To open up to every sound,
As our feet glide softly over ground.

And now the sun, it hits my back,
Beams its glory over pilgrim track.
And lifts the dew from solemn soil,
Announces the day, we have to toil.

PILGRIM FRIENDS

Behind the bright,
And lowing eyes,
I see a soul,
Devoid of lies.

A great protector,
Of virtues true.
These pleasant folk,
With balanced view.

Not so unlike,
This pilgrim tale,
This merry bunch,
My stories hale.

I count aloud,
My blessings grand,
As into love,
They hold my hand.

And share together,
This loving way.
A friend forever,
To save the day.

JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

I really don't want,
This journey to end.
As I sit here,
With my new best friend.

For in these days,
Of adventure and fun,
We shared great times,
In the land of the sun.

And our shared times,
Have given great light,
Of simpler values restored,
As together we fight.

That we can learn,
What's important and true,
And share all our love,
Making this earth like new.

And in this way,
We'll save our souls,
From the waste of life,
Following our selfish goals.....

QUAINT (ALCOQUEDOR)

Along the road,
I came to find a quiet place,
Whence my hunger be restored.
An old lady,
Served coffee and bread.
The plantation of her toil,
was all about,
And the quietness calmed me.
Birds serenaded me,
As I ate this simple meal,
And their call was enticing.
A stream below,
Wound along the valley,
Cascading through stone beds.

The cherries are ripe now,
And sweet on my tongue,
As I watched a young squirrel,
Pass by along the Camino,
In search of its home.
And so passed an hour,
In tranquil repast.
My heart beating soundly,
The joy of this life,
And my love.

HUMBLED BY AN ANGEL

I was so full of pride,
That I could not see,
That a beautiful Angel,
Was accompanying me.























In her eyes was a fire,
to help me to see,
All that which important,
Would help me be free.

And about her an aura,
Of perfection and grace,
My heat stirred a beat,
With a smile of her face.

But with kindness, a tone,
That she gave tenderly,
She humbled me further,
How I so want to be.

So my Angel you are,
Now beloved and true,
With my heart open wide,
I declare, I thank you....











CGID x

MEDIEVAL BAR

Such a warm aroma,
Of burning wood, fills the air.
A soft sultry mood,
Wafts from the Celtic music,
Playing in the background.

Skins of animals adorn the walls,
Alongside the yolk.
And around the room floating,
Such periodic gentle folk.

Enrique in his kindly way,
Directs from the bar,
As hot food is brought,
Fit for a King,
And many a merry knight.

The skillets roasting a feast,
Catch a sense of desire in me,
For a time gone by.
When all was so simple,
And friendship was valued,
Higher than gold.
And when I, as a knight errant,
Roamed these lands,
Protecting the pilgrims.





Foncebadon

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

Walking up here now,
Where the air thins to breathe.
I feel such power of hope,
Amongst these people, these trees.

That what we all share,
We will take to our hearts.
And prove to the masses,
It's not so difficult to start.

If this unity proves now,
That it's time to partake.
Our tragic history deserted,
And world wars we forsake.

So why not attemt,
This great leap for mankind.
In our loving approaches,
We shall never be blind.

Because we have received,
The greatest gift from above.
It's our chance for survival,
Shall we live now this love.







To the memory of my friend John,
and his wife Yoko.
Below is one of the most incredible attempts to unite the people of the earth.
And I for one remember that they lived as they wished to be treated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okd3hLlvvLw
Click the link to see.

HELL RAISERS

Even before the dawn,
They're up and about.
In their desire to leave,
they scream and shout.

They rustle they bang,
And search their bags.
One laughs, one screeches,
And the other one nags.

But for the sleeping,
They do not scare.
Even of the rules,
They do not care.

At six they're off,
And slam the door.
Making merriment in haste,
Feet bang the floor.

But where do they go,
At this ungodly hour.
To leave sleeping folk,
Still feeling sour.

No bars are open,
In which to eat.
Or buy a coffee,
So why not sleep.

And let the rest,
Rise at the call.
As the cockeral crows,
Then one and all.

WINNIE and ANN

Two very special people,
Who accompanied me today.
And in their loving nature,
Excited me to say.

The hope of perfect peace,
Is written in their eyes.
The depth of love unbounded,
As endless as the skies.

We fight as one together,
To rid this world of hate.
Replacing it with unity,
Our love we demonstate.

Two finer souls believing,
The world we have to share.
Displaying love in peacefulness,
If in our hearts we dare.



The world and I, love you both. xx

SPIRITUAL LIGHT

Out here on the road,
I am beginning to feel,
And to see,
Illuminating my way ahead,
This spiritual light.

How I perseive it, is in ways,
Beyond my comprehension.

And yet I see this,
In the womderful people around me,
In the warmth from the sun on my face,
In the cool wind,
And in the still of the night.

At dawn, the movement of tiny creatures,
Fills me with rapture.
The birds song has caught me away,
To a beautiful day.
And the fragrance of nature,
Fills my tiny lungs with such energy.

The Cuckoo I hear,
Chanting a call and know,
That even in its devilment,
It has a part to play,
In this wonderful world.

My heart begins to engage,
This illumination in a serenity,
That feels pure.

This life, this love, this light,
Help me feel sane once again.
For here are no wars,
No violence,
No hatred, no fear,
Just unremitting peace.

Let harmony fill me up,
With its soft tender touch.
Why not a world left in love,
In a way that is decent?

It is within us all,
If we look deep inside,
To the place we once knew.
To the core that is one,
And a part of us all,
To the light of the spirit.

And when we can remember,
This light,
And let it shine from within,
Then we will behold once again,
The love, in unity......






A debt of thanks I owe for this experience to one very special lady.
Amanda King. x