consolation in swift thoughts
when all is still
like the pond in summer
stagnant, stifling
awaiting cleansing storm

moving felt right
with closed eyes
leaping across cuts in the earth
thirsty for rain
tired of watching reeds stand guard
willing them to bend, sway

peace in fought-for breath
being quiet
like the creek feeding the river
rolling, reeling
avowing sated spirit

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

rebuild from memory
the plans I drew
when I was eight
on playground dust
when all lay ahead
the extra room
just to read
separate from the rest

an escape
with made-up names
for special rooms
in the woods
people come and never stay
loneliness is irrelevant

open to new memory
draw on loam
near where I live
images of what I think
a light that only I see
a guide imagined
a relief
to give freely

some days fold joyfully
full of promise
like moonglow over the hills
welcoming tumbling stars
to bowing grasses
blowing in the night breeze

some days carry songs
ancient and true
through branches reaching
for warm sun’s enfolding grace
breaking breath and heart
with hopeful melody