I trace contours of loneliness
into the wild landscape,
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.
