Wisdom Walk

May 23, 2026 Poet:‍ Peter Finkle ‍Artwork: Indigo Narrative by Cathy Dorris

Wisdom Walk

I am eager and amazed ---

wait, sorry, I should not speak

so selfishly ---

I mean, I am honored beyond words

to be chosen for this year’s

Wisdom Walk.

Everyone in the village gathers

along the two blocks

from our Sacred Space to the Community Hall.

All eyes will be on me.

I tremble a bit, as I am

ritually washed,

then clothed in simple white linen.

Finally, I see our priest emerge

from a secret back room,

holding the ceremonial indigo garment

in front of him.

I gasp.

Am I worthy to bear this sacred artwork

on behalf of all?

No time for more thought,

as he carefully enrobes me,

while softly whispering instructions

in my ear.

Exiting the dark Sacred Space

into bright sunshine

and hushed explanations of awe

around me,

I almost stumble.

Remembering the instructions,

I take a step – then stop –

look down, to honor the earth –

look ahead, to honor the people –

look up, to honor creation –

ring the indigo garment’s bells,

to delight the children and soothe the elders.

Is that right? Yes.

Now I am ready for the next step.

As I step

and step

and step,

my life flashes before me.

I am an infant, carried these two blocks,

a young child, skipping along without care,

a teenager racing my friends, so fast!

I notice myself take a step –

look – look – look – ring.

In a moment of panic,

I wonder if this two-block Wisdom Walk

will take me an hour,

or if I can even complete it.

Oh, my.

I breathe. I take a step –

look – look – look – ring

Step – look – look – look – ring …

Suddenly,

time vanishes. I forget the hour.

I become the ceremonial indigo garment.

I become the people.

I embody their wisdom.

Maybe I make it to the Community Hall.

Maybe later I get married and raise a family.

It’s so difficult to keep these details straight

when time has vanished.