An Exercise in Time -

The distant past
I am in a shelter under a giant oak, it is a temporary structure,
made with pine boughs, thick enough to keep the dew off me.
I have been busy gathering acorns.
The baskets are full, my band shall eat.
There is dried fish in the basket, harvested from the shore,
Soon the hunters will bring deer from the forest, we shall make jerky.

My band is on it�s way to the place of hot steam where we will spend the long nights of rain.
On our march we are stopping here at the river to catch fish on their way upstream
We prepare for a ceremony of thanks to Mother Earth
For the bounty given for our survival and ask blessings
For the dark time ahead.
We pass the sacred mushrooms, colorful images appear in our mind, we are relaxed
Renewing our connection with what is inside and unseen.
The night is dark, moonless, the Milky way is brilliant overhead..

The present
It is September, the middle of the month.
I am aware of the changing season, taking stock of supplies, laying in staoels,
Wondering if I have enough to wear for winter.
I have canned: Bread&Butter pickles, chutney and I shall slice and dehydrate tomatoes.
None of this will be essential; for my survival. Why then does it bring such satisfaction?

I watch the land around me, pine-cones and acorns are appearing
So are the creatures who sustain themselves with them.
Rose-hips and firethorn berries are turning red.

I click the remote and see images on my TV, connecting me to the outer world.

The night is dark, moonless, the Milky Way is brilliant overhead.

The far future:
I am in a shelter under a giant oak, it is a temporary structure,
made with pine boughs, thick enough to keep the dew off me.
I have been busy gathering acorns.
The baskets are full, my band shall eat.
There is dried fish in the basket, harvested from the shore,
Soon the hunters will bring deer from the forest, we shall make jerky.

My band is on it�s way to the place of hot steam where we will spend the long nights of rain.
On our march we are stopping here at the river to catch fish on their way upstream
We prepare for a ceremony of thanks to Mother Earth
For the bounty given for our survival and ask blessings
For the dark time ahead.
We pass the sacred mushrooms, colorful images appear in our mind, we are relaxed
Renewing our connection with what is inside and unseen.
The night is dark, moonless, the Milky way is brilliant overhead..

You reminded me of Ray Bradbury.
I like the piece; thought-provoking.
Do you remember when you wrote it?