shaking away sleep
and patterns that haunt
I look to the sky
to the red-tailed hawk
who has been my companion
for years of sunrises
and foggy afternoons

he dips a greeting
as he wheels across dawn
and I mark his span
as welcoming as a lover’s embrace

somehow I breathe deeper
when I watch him soar
feeling myself not rooted
but flying too

shedding veils
dancing to rhythm of thunder and stars
dizzying pace
we are consumed

working backwards
tracing one end and another beginning

does the earth feel the steps
taken in haste
less than the sinking to knees
in heartfelt supplication

starting anywhere
bringing circles to close

tearing cloth
baring tender shoots of veins
sweltering shock
they are renewed