Hive Open Mic ( #openmic ) is a global community celebrating live music on Hive. Each week is a new event, encouraging musicians to share songs with an international audience.
This week's Hive Open Mic theme is: Stories of the Night. For this occasion, I'm introducing a song with a strong storytelling element. This is one I haven't shared before, as it is rather lengthy and I haven't yet felt clear on how to carry it. It is mysterious in that it is inspired by a new mythology that originated with a modern day poet, Timothy P. McLaughlin.
I think any artist will relate with the hauntingly wild calling that is the creative spirit. It invites us to go outside of our comfort zones, and perhaps enter the state of Flow, where we find the Divine. And that's where the magic happens, as all becomes present and focused and flowing.
Artist to Artist
A journey song, presented live as a multitrack recording
Snow white canvas
Invites the artist
Into the unknown
Like a brushstroke
Hearing the calling
Focusing following
Letting the eyes close
Stepping forward
Footprints drifting
Tracks disappearing
Hidden in snow
As the wind blows
Queen of the Forest
Offers the artist
One chance to return
Or to journey
Artist removes boots
Choosing to take root
Forest Queen witnesses
Then vanishes
Artist hardens like a stone
Barefoot in the snow
Until emotions
Put feet in motion
Dancing staccato
To the inner tempo
Working to be warm
Enduring any storm
Sun up sun down
Hooting humming howling
Melody bittersweet
Heartbeat drumming
Fourth moon inspires
Messages of the Divine
Crystallizing into words
Snowflakes whirling
Queen of the Forest
Returns to the artist
Being a work of art
Singing from the heart
Artist brings trees
Leaning in listening
All open ears
Draw near to hear
Infants elders
Animal ancestors
Travel long to the song
Sing along feel belonging
Father gives moccasins
For further action
Mother gives a wolf skin
Fanning passion
Artist travels to the Queen
For more melodies
Honoring the medicine
In each blessed hymn
Four years journeying
Attuning to the Forest Queen
Artist goes once more
Into the unknown
Giving her the wolf skin
Giving her the moccasins
Giving her the swan song
Then the work is done
Acknowledgements
Hive Open Mic - Week 82 is underway right now, with the current theme: “Stories of the Night.” We introduce new themes every Sunday, inviting musicians to share a common current. Musicians always have full freedom to bring whatever music feels inspired in the moment. There is still time to jump in and enjoy this week's Hive Open Mic event!