12.14.2022

I knew nothing; I could do nothing but see

When I woke up I was in a forest. The dark 
seemed natural, the sky through the pine trees 
thick with many lights. 
 
I knew nothing; I could do nothing but see. 
And as I watched, all the lights of heaven 
faded to make a single thing, a fire 
burning through the cool firs. 
Then it wasn't possible any longer 
to stare at heaven and not be destroyed. 
 
Are there souls that need 
death's presence, as I require protection? 
I think if I speak long enough 
I will answer that question, I will see 
whatever they see, a ladder 
reaching through the firs, whatever 
calls them to exchange their lives—
 
Think what I understand already. 
I woke up ignorant in a forest; 
only a moment ago, I didn't know my voice 
if one were given me 
would be so full of grief, my sentences 
like cries strung together. 
I didn't even know I felt grief 
until that word came, until I felt 
rain streaming from me. 
 

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