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# A Gathering of Men

A Mythopoetic Mens Group

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## Posts

- [Two Brothers](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/two-brothers/) - A retelling of an old story by Eugene Marckx These two grew up under a father who carried a promise. For he was the only son of a man who had been promised a great tribe as his progeny. These two knew the promise. They knew who would inherit the blessing. The older brother and
- [My experiences with A Gathering Of Men ](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/my-experiences-with-a-gathering-of-men/) - By: Kokopelli Warrior Nov 2024 As of now, I’ve been participating in A Gathering of Men (AGOM) for over 5 years. I believe I found the group in Sept 2018 and went through formal initiation August 2019. I found AGOM quite by accident, or perhaps it’s more accurate to call it “serendipity”. Going back to
- [March 2024 This Tiny Blue Dot – Mother Earth](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/march-2024-this-tiny-blue-dot-mother-earth/) - Am I part of it? How do I treat it? Where do I truly live? Endling: A Poem BY MARIA POPOVA I turned the corner one afternoon to find my neighborhood grocer gone. No warning, just gone — padlocked and boarded off, closed for good, a long chain of habit suddenly severed. We know that entropy
- [April 2024 Making Loam from Dirt](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/april-2024-making-loam-from-dirt/) - Change my life from barren to fertile ground, how?. How do I attend to my soil? What can lay waste to my garden? The Old Wedge By Eugene Marckx Everyone in the family knew my grandfather was a grump. That might have been partly because we grandkids were always going into his workshop, taking his
- [Old Soldier](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/old-soldier/) - He walks between his metal shop and his greenhousefingernails broken at the edgeswrists coloring rust into the dirtfeet spread apart the old grunt way‒ a habit not broken off frommortars dropping In the metal shop sparks fly off the wheelsharpening a blade he may needto carve away trouble ‒ you never knowIn the greenhouse cherry
- [July 2022 Am I Ready To Change?](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/july-2022-am-i-ready-to-change/) - Who me?Why would I want to?What I’d like to change is … by Richard Hugo (1923-1982) SECOND CHANCES by Richard Hugo (1923-1982) I can’t let it go, the picture I keep of myself in ruin, living alone, some wretched town where friendship is based on just being around. And I drink there a lot,
- [August 2022 Wisdom in Odd Places](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/august-2022-wisdom-in-odd-places/) - Where do I seek it?I found it unexpectedly when I …It wasn’t where I thought it was. The Hunchback a tale by Eugene Marckx In those ancient times the Mountain king, the River king, and the Valley king considered themselves brothers in the lineage of the Moon-Goddess. So, at last when the Valley king died,
- [The Hunchback](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-hunchback-2/) - a tale by Eugene Marckx In those ancient times the Mountain king, the River king, and the Valley king considered themselves brothers in the lineage of the Moon-Goddess. So, at last when the Valley king died, his two brothers along their retinues came to express their grief with the people of the valley. For two
- [May 2023 My Other Mother](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/may-2023-my-other-mother/) - Who was she? Was this mother a female? Do I know the Mother within me? The Ugly Queen A tale taken from Duncan Williamson – Scottish Traveler The young king and queen of this land had only a baby girl, but the king’s only thoughts were on how to get rid of the giant who
- [June 2023 My Mentors/My Fathers](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/june-2023-my-mentors-my-fathers/) - Deep Sea Salmon Dad where have you gone?Did you leap quicksilver into the last runof legendary kings – those eighty-pound June Hogs –that bashed themselves against the wallsof the Grand Coulee Dam?Or are you too smart for the trap of extinctionstill holding in the shadows of that damin the back of my mind – thinkingbut
- [July 2023 Hearing You Out](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/july-2023-where-i-begin-again/) - Will you tell me the truth? Will I really listen? What do I need to put aside to really hear you? Food of Love by Carolyn Kizer Eating is touch carried to the bitter end.SAMUEL BUTLER II I’m going to murder you with love;I’m going to suffocate you with embraces;I’m going to hug you, bone
- [Deep Sea Salmon](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/deep-sea-salmon-2/) - Dad where have you gone?Did you leap quicksilver into the last runof legendary kings – those eighty-pound June Hogs –that bashed themselves against the wallsof the Grand Coulee Dam?Or are you too smart for the trap of extinctionstill holding in the shadows of that damin the back of my mind – thinkingbut not showing much?
- [September 2023 Wisdom in My Wounds](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/september-2023-wisdom-in-my-wounds/) - The Useless Parts You know you want to ... but can you?You say you will ... but you don’tor you try and try ... then walk awayand tell yourself tomorrow – tomorrow’s the day But your clock is moving backwardOn its own tomorrow doesn’t comeand those scenes mulling in you on a slow boil– their
- [The Useless Parts ](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-useless-parts/) - You know you want to ... but can you?You say you will ... but you don’tor you try and try ... then walk awayand tell yourself tomorrow – tomorrow’s the day But your clock is moving backwardOn its own tomorrow doesn’t comeand those scenes mulling in you on a slow boil– their voices pleading –
- [October 2023 To Own or Disown](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/october-2023-to-own-or-disown/) - What part of me do I own? What part of me would I disown? Is it possible to Disown parts of myself in a healthy way? Elie Wiesel The Perils of Indifference delivered 12 April 1999, White House, Washington, D.C. Mr. President, Mrs. Clinton, members of Congress, Ambassador Holbrooke, Excellencies, friends: Fifty-four years ago to the
- [November 2023 Growing Down](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/november-2023-growing-down/) - Getting to the basics. Being what I am Simplifying the Journey doesn’t make it easier. Before Winter By Eugene Marckx Just to go there and breathe that airand see that river silver through the valleyuntil I’m within reach of that peace againwith those people along those roads Just to help cut hay into long windrowsand
- [My Drum](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/my-drum/) - I heard my drum today,A sound of counterpoint,Of dissonance and harmony. I found my drum today,And felt fear and shame,Aloneness, aloneness. I struck my drum today,And found I had joined my brothers.Oh, God’s Joy!I Heard my drum today,It is my soul
- [Such A Place](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/such-a-place/) - And where is a safe place where men share openly from their hearts without being judged, or advised, or fixed? And where is an honorable place where men listen with understanding to hear a man’s story, affirming him for his trust and honesty? Show me the whereabouts of such a place and I will be
- [December 2023 How These Hands Bless](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/december-2023-how-these-hands-bless/) - How These Hands Can Bless Who Do I Bless? Are my Blessings Unconditional? Is there anyone I won’t bless? "Prayer" by James Armstrong
- [January 2024Up There Without a Net](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-dream-i-always-wanted/) - What do I see up there?Who’s with me?Are my fears with me? The Boulder The weight is his – been his to haul forever –well not quite that long – when he was younghe kept it – a small stone in his pocket –a part of him never shown to anyonebut how it’s grown and
- [February 2024 The Dream I Always Wanted](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/february-2024-the-dream-i-always-wanted/) - Is it worth loosing something for? Does this dream include others? I got it but do I want it? — from Standing Up By Tomas Transtrӧmer (trans. R. Bly) It’s been a hard winter, but summer is here and the fields want us to walk upright. Every man unimpeded, but careful, as when you
- [August 2023 Running on Empty](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/august-2023-running-on-empty/) - What depletes me? How do I avoid burnout? How do I recharge? Song of the Shattering Vessels by Peter Cole Either the world is coming togetheror else the world is falling apart— here—now—along these letters, against the walls of every heart. Today, tomorrow, within its weather,the end or beginning’s about to start— the world impossibly coming together or very possibly
- [April 2023 Nothing but the Truth](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/april-2023-nothing-but-the-truth/) - Who’s truth? How do I know it? Is it an inside job? Dan-Boy By Eugene Marckx Narrated by Eugene Marckx Dan was in Community College, but he quit. His loans began to mount up. One thing Uncle Jim and Aunt Reva taught him – “Dan-Boy, don’t ever owe nobody no money.” Dan had a part-time
- [March 2023 Looking in the Mirror](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/march-2023-looking-in-the-mirror/) - Who is that in the mirror? What do I want to see? What do I really see? Much Madness Is Divinest Sense Narrated by Eugene Marckx Much Madness is divinest Sense ―To a discerning Eye ―Much Sense ― the starkest Madness ―‘Tis the MajorityIn this, as All, prevail ―Assent ― and you are sane ―Demur
- [February 2023 Somewhere a Loving Heart](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/february-2023-somewhere-a-loving-heart/) - How do I find my loving heart? Do others know my heart? How does my loving heart speak? Bonds of Trust By Eugene Marckx Narrated by Eugene Marckx Here is the mother – dying – from a disease or from abandonment? The daughter tends to her. The father hasn’t time. He’s at work – desperate
- [January 2023 Where I Begin Again](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/january-2023-where-i-begin-again/) - Where I ended. Where someone points. I just proceed. Seduction by David Shumate Narrated by Eugene Marckx I didn't shoo off the two women evangelists who rang my doorbell.Instead, I invited them in to explain the workings of heaven whileI cooked barley and bean soup. I asked one to mince the onions.The other to slice
- [December 2022 A Cracked Mirror](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/december-2022-a-cracked-mirror/) - What shatters my image? How do I undo the crack? What Image do I project? The Second Coming Narrated by Eugene Marckx Turning and turning in the widening gyreThe falcon cannot hear the falconer;Things fall apart; the center cannot hold;Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhereThe ceremony of innocence
- [<strong>A Song of Silence</strong>](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/a-song-of-silence/) - It was long ago but that silence comes back like a soft-whistled lullaby with clean air floating in after and I could just give myself over to dreams – and see things not just in the clouds but down along foggy roads and in shadows of half-silent streams trickling in the woods and across the
- [November 2022 My Song](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/november-2022-my-song/) - Where did my song come from? Who do I sing it to? Do I have the faith to sing? A Song of Silence It was long ago but that silence comes back like a soft-whistled lullaby with clean air floating in after and I could just give myself over to dreams – and see things
- [Song of the Lover](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/song-of-the-lover/) - Song of the Lover I He saved her from the sea and was almost drowned to bring her in risking all to spare her but there beside him on the shore she failed no matter how he tried to force from her the salt tide lingering He suffered her to fade her body laid
- [October 2022 What Am I Doing Here?](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/october-2022-what-am-i-doing-here/) - Why did I come here? What am I supposed to be doing? Is anyone here with me? Song of the Lover I He saved her from the sea and was almost drowned to bring her in risking all to spare her but there beside him on the shore she failed no matter how he
- [March Retreat](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/march-retreat/)
- [<strong>Jacob and Joseph of Krakow</strong>](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/jacob-and-joseph-of-krakow/) - Jacob and Joseph of Krakow A tale by Eugene Marckx In the night Jacob was startled awake by a dream voice. It called him to leave his dying wife and go west from the town of Krakow to the city of Prague. “Don’t leave me,” his wife whispered, and so he stayed by her side
- [September 2022 My Life to Live](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/september-2022-my-life-to-live/) - Do I live my own life? The vision for my life is… The reality of my life is… Jacob and Joseph of Krakow A tale by Eugene Marckx In the night Jacob was startled awake by a dream voice. It called him to leave his dying wife and go west from the town of Krakow
- [March 2022 Mentors in My Life](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/march-2022-mentors-in-my-life/) - Who mentors you?Are you a mentor?Did a mentor change your life? The Seven Directions LOST BROTHER By Stanley Moss I knew that tree was my lost brother when I heard he was cut down at four thousand eight hundred sixty-two years; I knew we had the same mother. His death pained me. I made up
- [Fathers and Sons](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/fathers-and-sons/) - By Eugene Marckx Dale lived alone with his mother, except on nights when the banker’s top hat was hanging on her bedroom door, or the senator’s homburg, or the general’s roughrider hat. Dale slept on a cot off the kitchen pantry, so she could be available when they came through. Most days he’d wander along
- [June 2022 Fathering](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/june-2022-fathering/) - Questions for Myself Do I love my father?How did my father wound me?How did my father change my parenting? Fathers and Sons By Eugene Marckx Dale lived alone with his mother, except on nights when the banker’s top hat was hanging on her bedroom door, or the senator’s homburg, or the general’s roughrider hat. Dale
- [May 2022 Mothering](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/may-2022-mothering/) - Was it mothering or smothering?How was it to be mothered for me?Was I mothered by my father? Nestor By Eugene Marckx A featherbrained idler – what your grandfather said of him, and farmers hereabouts who should’ve known better, long after Nestor took to the road. Then he was forgotten, but the forgetting couldn’t quite fill
- [Nestor](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/nestor/) - By Eugene Marckx A featherbrained idler – what your grandfather said of him, and farmers hereabouts who should’ve known better, long after Nestor took to the road. Then he was forgotten, but the forgetting couldn’t quite fill in the pigeon-hole, which hid quite a lot, it turned out. Nobody brought up how Nestor made music
- [April 2022 My Scars](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/april-2022-my-scars/) - Can I look at my scars?Did my wounds heal and scars?How do I benefit from my scars? Old Soldier He walks between his metal shop and his greenhousefingernails broken at the edgeswrists coloring rust into the dirtfeet spread apart the old grunt way‒ a habit not broken off frommortars dropping In the metal shop sparks
- [The Lord’s Stallion](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-lords-stallion/) - By John Thompson I want to be the Lord’s stallion! Thick and broad and sinewed And of milky mane, Sun’s fire caught and flashing In my dancing eyes And hooves as sharp and shining As obsidian! I want to feel upon my neck The firm direction of His arms And feel my tensing flanks Beneath
- [A Man and His Archetypes](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/a-man-and-his-archetypes/) - Online Event March 25-27, 2022 A Webinar – March 25 - 27 Beginning Friday March 25th at 7p.m. PST Cost - $50 Registration At this event we will look at the four main male Archetypes: King, Warrior, Magician, Lover. Each man will be encouraged to recognize and get to know at least one or two
- [February 2022 Small Miracles](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/february-2022-small-miracles/) - Can you list the miracles in your life?What to you is miraculous? The Heart of Us All With the radio and the television off all morning and the newspaper folded in its chair I leave the laptop alone and set my phone on mute I just want to hear bird-chatter in the air faint shouts
- [January 2022 My Worst & Best Day](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/january-2022-my-worst-best-day/) - What made my worst Day?Remembering my best dayLiving through my worst day The Lion for Real By Allen Ginsberg Soyez muette pour moi, Idole contemplative… I came home and found a lion in my living room Rushed out on the fire-escape screaming Lion! Lion! Two stenographers pulled their brunette hair and banged the window shut I hurried
- [December 22021 If Not Now ... When?](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/december-22021-if-not-now-when/) - What am I waiting for?Why not now?What holds me back?When? The Black Snake by Mary Oliver When the black snake flashed onto the morning road, and the truck could not swerve— death, that is how it happens. Now he lies looped and useless as an old bicycle tire. O stop the car and carry
- [What If](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/what-if/) - What if I could give myself a bit more attention? A bit more care? Maybe even a new respect by clearing off a bit of the old clutter? What if this alone could wake me – break me up? Open my eyes to whatever’s in the air? Find a new breath for this pair of
- [Basket Woman](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/basket-woman/) - A tale by Eugene Marckx Long ago when the first people lived on the earth a young man left all his family, and his tribe, and went out on his own across the hills. Did his folks miss him? Did he ever think of going back? No one knows. He wandered through river valleys and
- [November 2021 Making vs. Wasting Time](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/november-2021-making-vs-wasting-time/) - How do I make time for myself?What was I told was a waste of my time?Do I make time for what’s important to me? Basket Woman [cpm-player skin="device-player-skin" width="450" playlist="true" autoplay="false" shuffle="false" type="audio"][cpm-item file="https://www.agatheringofmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/basketWoman.wav"]basketWoman[/cpm-item][/cpm-player] A tale by Eugene Marckx Long ago when the first people lived on the earth a young man left all his
- [June 2020 - The Rites of Manhood](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-rites-of-manhood/) - by Alden Nowlan Recited by Gene Marckx It's snowing hard enough that the taxis aren't running. I'm walking home, my night's work finished, long after midnight, with the whole city to myself, when across the street I see a very young American sailor standing over a girl who's kneeling on the sidewalk and refuses to
- [September 2021 My Mask/My Self](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/september-2021-my-mask-my-self/) - • What I want you to think about me? • What I want to hide from? • Will I let you see me? Selfish Pig a tale by Eugene Marckx [cpm-player skin="device-player-skin" width="250" playlist="true" autoplay="false" shuffle="false" type="audio"][cpm-item file="https://www.agatheringofmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SelfishPig.wav"]SelfishPig[/cpm-item][/cpm-player] Once upon a time there was a king and queen who loved each other so very openly.
- [Sometimes These Days](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/sometimes-these-days/) - By John Thompson Sometimes these days I find myself so full of joy and gratitude that I feel like I might just explode. That’s not hyperbole: I really am beside myself, wondering what to do with so much overwhelming energy. I still have my sorrows and grief, mind you, and my discontents, but even when
- [October 2021 Where Is My Song?](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/october-2021-where-is-my-song/) - Do I remember my song?Where does my song come from?Am I willing to sing it? A Hole in the Sky [cpm-player skin="device-player-skin" width="450" playlist="true" autoplay="false" shuffle="false" type="audio"][cpm-item file="https://www.agatheringofmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/HoleInTheSky.wav"]HoleInTheSky[/cpm-item][/cpm-player] (from the Colville Native American tradition) In the time before humans were born, the critters and birds had a tough time of it. The sky was always
- [2021 Online Event](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/2021-online-event/) - Online Event 2021 A Gathering of Men presents The Gifts I Have to Give to the World Everyone comes into this world endowed with a unique genius, a special gift for the world. This gift is hidden from us. Our call is to discover this gift and be our authentic self. Our social and familial
- [August 2021 Risking It All](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/august-2021-risking-it-all/) - • What all is it I’m risking? • Am I too risk averse? • I’m I willing to not take the risk? • Do I know the benefits of risk? The Journey by Mary Oliver One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting
- [July 2021 I’m Taking That Back](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/july-2021-im-taking-that-back/) - • What did it cost me to belong? • How much of myself did I give away? • What will I do to get it back? Oh Lord, It’s Hard to Be Humble by Mac Davis Oh Lord it’s hard to be humble When you’re perfect in every way I can’t wait to look in
- [June 2021 My Dad’s Not Here](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/june-2021-my-dads-not-here/) - Where did he go?Was he here but not present?Did he struggle to connect with me?Did he feel the loss like I did? Direction Calling [cpm-player skin="device-player-skin" width="450" playlist="true" autoplay="false" shuffle="false" type="audio"][cpm-item file="https://www.agatheringofmen.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/DirectionCalling.wav"]DirectionCalling[/cpm-item][/cpm-player]
- [The Tangled Hills](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-tangled-hills/) - Find a place at the edge of a swamp Listen and learn and take in who goes – who stays – what’s eaten – what decays – all the stinks and stews of it in the percolating ooze of a swamp’s necessities until you realize this isn’t all that life’s about When you come away
- [May 2021 How About Really Listening?](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/may-2021-how-about-really-listening/) - Do I give the speaker my undivided attention?Do I use body language (nods, eye contact, etc..) to show I’m engaged?Do I ask clarifying questions?Do I immediately rush to judgement?Do I respond to win points? Mullah Nasrudin's Flower Garden Told by Eugene Marckx The Tangled Hills By Eugene Marckx Find a place at the edge of
- [April 2021 What My Anger Really Wants](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/april-2021-what-my-anger-really-wants/) - My Anger tells me to...When angers in charge of me what can I do?When angers in charge of me what must I do? A Thorn in the King’s Foot Adapted from a tale by Duncan Williamson, Scotland’s greatest storyteller ‒ Penguin (1987) Many years ago lived a king in a large castle. All around his
- [A Thorn in the King’s Foot](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/a-thorn-in-the-kings-foot/) - Adapted from a tale by Duncan Williamson, Scotland’s greatest storyteller ‒ Penguin (1987) Many years ago lived a king in a large castle. All around his kingdom the farmers worked hard, and he told his queen, “These are my bees. Without bees we have no honey, but my people work. And half of all they
- [March 2021 Who Is My Brother?](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/march-2021-who-is-my-brother/) - Is my brother just someone I share DNA with?Am I a brother to my neighbor?Am I a brother to my Enemy?Does my brother have to look, sound and believe as I do? The Good Samaritan Gospel of Luke 10:25-37
- [February 2021 What My Grief Can Give](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/february-2021-what-my-grief-can-give/) - Is there something to be gained by looking at and descending into grief? The Snow Man By Wallace Stevens One must have a mind of winter To regard the frost and the boughs Of the pine-trees crusted with snow; And have been cold a long time To behold the junipers shagged with ice, The spruces
- [January 2021 My Demons/My Angels](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/my-demons-my-angels/) - Where in me to my Demons reside? What do they corrupt in me? Can you describe your angels? How do they assist you? Dirge recited by Eugene Marckx BY KENNETH FEARING 1-2-3 was the number he played but today the number came 3-2-1; bought his Carbide at 30 and it went to 29; had the favorite
- [December 2020 The stories I tell myself about the world](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/december-2020-the-stories-i-tell-myself-about-the-world/) - How do my feelings about myself reflect how I see the world? What do I tell myself about the world to feel safe? What stories do I tell that confirm my world view? Bridge by Jim Harrison Most of my life was spent building a bridge out over the sea though the sea was
- [October 2020 Dancing with my Demons](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/october-2020-dancing-with-my-demons/) - Have I named my demons? What are they? Since they’re mine, can I transform them? Share your demons with us. Four Directions Calling Basement Work
- [November 2020 Mortality and Impermanence](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/november-2020-mortality-and-impermanence/) - As the seasons have been changing, a friend has been confronted with his mortality. He has severe heart issues and has now contracted COVID-19 while in hospital. He’s facing this by reaching out to others and welcoming support and continuing to give to others. It’s not possible to outrun mortality. Do you try? Basket Woman
- [September 2020 - Hacked: How media and society influence my life and feelings](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/september-2020-hacked-how-media-and-society-influence-my-life-and-feelings/) - Dirge By Kenneth Fearing (Poems 1935) 1-2-3 was the number he played but today the number came 3-2-1; bought his Carbide at 30 and it went to 29; had the favorite at Bowie but the track was slow— O, executive type, would you like to drive a floating power, knee-action,
- [The Firebird, The Princess Vasilissa and The Horse of Power](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-firebird-the-princess-vasilissa-and-the-horse-of-power/) - A Russian tale adapted by Eugene Marckx In old Russia long ago there were horses of power. These horses were tall and broad chested with fiery eyes and iron hoofs. And they spoke wisdom. None of those horses are above ground today. They sleep with the men who rode them, until a time when Mother
- [August 2020 - Am I a warrior?](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/august-2020-am-i-a-warrior/) - This month we took on a topic that draws out different thoughts and emotion. The song below was offered instead of a folk tale. After hearing this sung during the gathering I found a YouTube movie of this that sent chills through me.
- [July 2020 Gathering Highlights](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/july-2020-gathering-highlights/) - Topic - Victimhood: How I embrace it The Gathering opened by calling the directions. Spirit Calling Song Sanskrit Song Food of Love Following is the poem Food of Love by Carolyn Kizer. It was recited by Gene Marckx as a way for us to move into our topic. Food of Love by Carolyn Kizer
- ["A crow stood on the burning deck, eating potatoes by the peck"](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/a-crow-stood-on-the-burning-deck-eating-potatoes-by-the-peck/) - by Ray Ruhlen We have an extended family of crows around us, I have fed them daily after lunch for many years, we get along together, the crows, me, and out black cat, Mr. Squeakers, who I take out for a walk after lunch and in that time throw torn up bread for them, They
- [The Hero Journey - "food for thought"](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-hero-journey-food-for-thought/) - As follow-up to the Web discussion last evening (6/18/2020), I'd like to offer this... simply as "Food for Thought". During the discussion, there were several references to "The Hero Journey". It is my understanding this is a shared belief and experience within AGOM. Personally, this concept, especially as articulated by Joseph Campbell, is a "center-piece" for me
- [Crows](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/crows/) - by Ray Ruhlen "A crow stood on the burning deck, eating potatoes by the peck"We have an extended family of crows around us, I have fed them daily after lunch for many years, we get along together, the crows, me, and out black cat, Mr. Squeakers, who I take out for a walk after lunch
- [Where One Is Fed A Hundred May Dine](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/where-one-is-fed-a-hundred-may-dine/) - a version of a tale by Ruth Sawyer ©1970 Once there was and was not a Spanish peasant. He usually had a little to eat — today yes, tomorrow no — but on this day it was no. And a storm came in the night, with rain pelting down at winter’s end, turning all the
- [Goat Boy](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/goat-boy/) - by Eugene Marckx They tell of a crossroads called Damned-if-you-Do & Damned-if-you-Don’t. But they don’t tell about a boy born there. He was raised by an old man, since the woman who bore the son couldn’t stand it with the man there in Damned-if-you-Do & Damned-if-you-Don’t. She left them both in the dust. The old
- [When I was a Boy](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/when-i-was-a-boy/) - … we’d go tramping off the back road through salal and ferns and huckleberries and hike the dry logged-off ridges crisscrossed with wild strawberries tiny and tasty and gritty with sand We’d stomp down tough blackberry vines raveling over the slash of old bones piles of branches the loggers left We’d reach past bramble thorns
- [The Accidental King](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-accidental-king/) - By: Tom Wilk Sept 2019 NOTE: This fable is written in 2nd person form, attempting to place YOU directly into the story. Please interpret each action of the main character from your own personal point-of-view. Consider each decision, action or question as your own “I Statement”. Let’s just say it’s a beautiful Fall day and
- [Deep Sea Salmon](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/deep-sea-salmon/) - Dad where have you gone? Did you leap quicksilver into a big run of legendary June Hogs now long lost? Or are you too smart for that? Did you break through the trap of extinction holding to the shadows of that dam in back of my mind—thinking but not showing much? Once in a
- [Paul - a last moment](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/paul-a-last-moment/) - Among my brothers and sisters we don’t send cards on birthdays, but we always try to make time to call — to talk and listen, even if for only a few minutes. These moments are often forgotten but not the sound and warmth of the voice. It was my birthday in the middle of the
- [A Vision  - Sacred Circle](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/a-vision-sacred-circle/) - by John Thompson No words can speak the power of “I AM HERE” For when black thunder cracks on blood-red plains The horseman comes, the storm-chaser of dreams His feathered spear raised high he splits the wind And silences the babbling tongues of men. My words mean nothing, nor is my story told But lived,
- [A Hole in the Sky](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/a-hole-in-the-sky/) - (from the Colville Native American tradition) Long before humans were born most all the animals felt pretty gray. Was it because the sky was always gray and always about to rain? Was it because there was never enough to go around? Never enough to eat? Never enough comfort? All day long the animals scratched out
- [The Hunchback](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-hunchback/) - a tale by Eugene Marckx The valley king died. After his many years of quiet prosperous rule, the people gathered, along with kings from neighboring lands, to remember and express in doleful song their grief and deep respect. When his coffin was lowered into the grave, each of them in passing dropped a flower and
- [The Hole in the Sky](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-hole-in-the-sky/) - (from the Colville Native American tradition) Long before humans were born on the earth all the animals felt pretty gray. The sky was always gray, and half the time about to rain. Food and shelter and comfort were scarce. There was never quite enough to go around. All day long the animals got grouchier and
- [Jet](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/jet/) - A memoir by Eugene Marckx Among the dogs in my life one stands out, a Black Labrador mix that came into our family when we weren’t looking for him. We were looking for a small black Cockapoo that had run away from us, a dog one of my sons had gotten off his paper route.
- [Davison Stivers](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/davison-stivers/) - Davison has been a part of A Gathering of Men almost from the beginning. He has participated as a story teller, board member, president, facilitator. He's been a mentor to many men over the years. Additonally he's participated in The Noble Journey, sponsored by Counceling Associates, Which helped me explore four primary male archetypes (King,
- [The Giant with No Heart in His Body](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-giant-with-no-heart-in-his-body/) - a folktale from Norway Once upon a time there was a King who had seven sons, and he loved them all so much that he couldn’t bear to have them all gone at once. He must have at least one nearby at all times. When they were grown into young men, the six older brothers
- [Moira's Mountain](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/moiras-mountain/) - a tale by Eugene Marckx As a boy Wade did not know any dancing or singing. His people on the slopes of Black Mountain did not dance or sing. They lived without these foolish excesses. If they were trading goods with a strange tribe, and those people began to dance or sing, his people always
- [Death and the Dwarf](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/death-and-the-dwarf/) - by Eugene Marckx From an ancient tale Roghnall was the most daring warrior chief of his time. With his cohorts he had won so many battles that he began to feel invincible—so much so that he sent out a challenge to anyone anywhere to meet him in battle. No one answered. But the last, if
- [The White Bird](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-white-bird/) - by Eugene Marckx Once there was a boy who made friends with a white bird. They went freely together everywhere. But one day the boy locked the bird in a cage because he said that other boys were always trying to catch it. When he came back from play the cage was empty. The white
- [Sideways Boy](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/sideways-boy/) - by Eugene Marckx In a time that circles with the changing faces of the moon this story is always happening. A boy. Why is it a boy? Could it be a girl for once? But this was a boy¾born to trouble. Oh, yes, plenty of people tried to wish it all away, yet there was
- [The Blue Stone](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-blue-stone/) - Wi’ yer drums ’n guns ’n drums ’n guns, hurroo, hurroo, Wi’ yer drums ’n guns ’n drums ’n guns, hurroo, hurroo, Wi’ yer drums ’n guns ’n drums ’n guns The enemy nearly slew ye. Oh, my darlin’ dear, ye look so queer, Why, Johnny, we hardly knew ye. traditional It
- [The Miser](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/the-miser/) - From RUSSIAN FAIRY TALES, collected by Aleksandr Afanas’ev Translated by Norbert Guterman (1973) Random House There was once a wealthy merchant named Marka, and never was anyone so stingy as he! One day he went for a walk, and on his way he saw an old beggar asking for alms. “For Christ’s sake, pious men,
- [Water](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/water/) - by - Eugene Marckx There is a dock on a lake where a few men gather to fish. Every Saturday they come at sunrise and stay as long as the fish are biting. All the people they have to please and all the things they have to do don’t keep them from this. Whatever the
- [Bearskin](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/bearskin/) - —adapted from the Brothers Grimm Once upon a time there was a young man who joined the army and went to war. He learned about courage when bullets are flying. He learned to kill the enemy and to trust his brother soldiers. He found some skill in warfare and enough pure luck to stay

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- [Sacred Circle](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/sacred-circle/) - Twice a year we meet in a natural setting and create a Sacred Circle. We assemble to connect with each other for the first time or to reinforce the connections we’ve built over the decades. A Sacred Circle retreat is open to any man, regardless of sexual orientation, age or physical limitation, who wants this
- [A Gathering of Men News](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/newsletter/) - Topic for August 2026 In the Heat of the Dark Dog Star Is it a sauna or a summer scorcher? Give a pint of sweat or shed a quart of blood That star's just a long tail, and maybe I can let go Come and explore this with us. Join us for Monday Morning Coffee
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- [Journey Men](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/journey-men/) - Journey Men is an advanced process group for those men who have committed themselves to digging deeper into their inner self. If you would like to get involved contact administrator@agatheringofmen.org Journey Men Meetings Any man who has either been through our August retreat or has been vetted by a group of Journey Men is invited
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- [March Retreat](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/sacred-circle/journey-men-retreat/) - Theme Related Info Richard Reeves: on YouTube – Big Think – Male inequality, speaking on the subject of his book, Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It. Reeves is a British/American fellow at the Brookings Institution and director of the Future of the
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- [Thank You](https://www.agatheringofmen.org/thank-you/) - AGOM March 2022 Online Event Thank you for your registration. Joint the Event Pre-Event Intake Before joining us on March 25th, use the material under the title Primary Archetypes to respond to these questions. Which of the four male archetypes are you most conscious of?Which of the four Challenges you (understanding and applying)?What do you
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