Backyard Labyrinth

Dreaming about a labyrinth in our backyard through the winter, we looked out the window over the steam from our tea or coffee.  We drew imaginary lines on the snow, through the raspberry bushes close to the middle of the yard. 


The snow melted.  Dave cleared the yard and transplanted the raspberry canes.  The cardinals watched us measure and pretend-walk through the imaginary paths.  Still in our winter coats, I blew on my cold hands through my gloves. For a few more days, we were inside, looking out the window, drinking  our tea, imagining, and waiting for a warm day.  


Then the warm day came. We sketched the design with spray paint and wood from the maple tree we just cut down.  Nine rings around a 5- foot diameter center. Each ring 2 feet wide. A 41- foot diameter labyrinth.   We finished just before a thunderstorm that sent us to the basement.  We hoped the wind wasn't strong enough to blow the wood away.  


To line the paths, we decided on bricks buried flush with the ground so we could also practice t'ai chi on it.  I didn't realize how ambitious a project it was until the 1000 bricks  were delivered on two pallets toour driveway by forklift.  


We laid the first brick three weeks ago, on a Saturday.  We carved the dark soil with a steak knife,  moist and soft like chocolate brownies.  Robins hopped around, close enough to eat worms off our hands.  The labor, long johns, and layers kept me warm.   My legs, arms, and back not used to digging and being close to the ground ached and got stronger from day to day.  


A friend of Dave's drove from Ohio to help us with what he considered a 'wonderfully unnecessary project'.  He saved me from a third weekend of burying bricks.  It took us at least 60 hours from the first brick to the last.  We buried the last brick, the neighbor's magnolia tree perfumed the air around us. 


At last, we have a labyrinth in our backyard. 


We invite friends to come walk in it.  


Meditate.  


Relax. 


Find peace.