Unwinding

On a somewhat overcast and rainy day, it took at least an hour to take down and unwind the May pole from last year’s celebration. Those same ribbons were woven by the group in a matter of minutes as we frolicked a year ago in the warm May sun.



I remember being so excited as we got ready for last year’s party. There were so many things to do -- inviting guests, buying a pole and ribbons, figuring out how to make it stand up, making potato salad and little skewers to grill, and making sure there was enough beer. But perhaps the best part was anticipating meeting Bloggers from far and wide in person for the first time.

The day was perfect -- warm and sunny with no chance of rain. After trips to the Metro and righting a few wrong turns, everyone was assembled. We were told to make a wish before the dance began and to hold that wish as we passed under and over each other’s ribbons. There was a certain magic that filled those moments.

Then we consumed prodigious quantities of food and drink. I quickly learned who the best clean-up people in the group were as they left my kitchen spotless.

All that remained of the day’s festivities was the decorated pole and a lot of newly forged friendships. The pole has stood in place all year undisturbed, weathering rain, snow, sleet, and hail over the course of the year. Some of the friendships are no longer. Others are stronger than ever.

It was time to unwind today. With a few snips of the scissors I could easily have removed the colorful ribbons. But instead I decided to mindfully unwind them, trying to remember who had held which one.



The pole is gone. I will no longer need to answer my dinner guests’ question of “What’s that?” as they look at my back yard.

Even though there’s no May dance today, I’m thinking a wish for the next year wouldn’t be a bad thing. May Day is supposed to be a celebration of fertility and creativity. I’ll hope for something on the creative side!