Cathedral by Dean Parkin

Because it’s like being amongst friends
Because I feel more in tune with myself
Because the woods reminds us we are part of something bigger
They are a sanctuary for solitude and can bring us together
Because this could be a Cathedral.

Because I like walking and listening
Because the trees have known a long life
And I saw a Hazel bud flower for the first time yesterday
Because we stand like a tree and look up at the canopy
Because this is my Cathedral.

Because the woods give us an escape from the world
Because I love the giants of trees and the oxygen they give us
Because of the warmth of the people and the warmth of the fire
Because this is a Cathedral.

Because birds are everywhere
Because I love drawing trees
Because we’ve seen the seasons change
Because I am a dog and I like a good stick
Because this is your Cathedral.

Because the trees are not man made
Because the woods feel like they have always been here
Because a community has grown up with these trees
Because you can see the light through the Winter
Because my Dad, William, said it was my Cathedral, boy.
Welcome to our Cathedral.

Gathered by Dean Parkin, Community Poet and Spoken by The Elders’ Tribe, in Kali Woods on 10th February 2022