my eyes following the path that raindrops carved through stone
across smooth surfaces
down into crevices
gradient fluctuating between shadow and light
before finally giving way to a vibrant green,
resiliency of life revealed
in delicate, bold petals of the smallest flower
blooming in a most unexpected place.
Lying on my back supported by cool, sturdy stone
I relax in knowing something greater than me
stronger than the pull of my wayward heart,
supports my existence here -
provides a counter force to gravity’s constant weight.
And beneath it all, an underground river pulses,
dragging with it centuries of sediment,
churning layer upon layer of sorrow and hope
gathering up mysteries ancient and new
as she ceaselessly carves her way to the sea.
The permeable limestone is no match for the power of the river,
although unseen, she is felt -
swaying the balance of all things unsettled
begging answers to unwanted questions,
as the invisible waters dredge
along the jagged boundaries of my mind
they reflect just how raw, open
and fragile I am,
alone in this place of expansive power and beauty
in a breathless and unending journey
to explore the unfolding terrain of my soul.
