'

*I see the sky
through barren branches,
twisted and bent,
grasping at clouds,
naked in the light,
swaying overhead
on winter’s chilled breath

Below me
in the slumbering earth
deep roots
hold on to the soil
beyond yesterday’s footprints,
burrowing for life, stability,
far from peering eyes

Running my hands
across the coarse bark,
craggy imprints
sculpt memories
of bygone seasons
when saplings dreamed,
when I dreamed

As I gaze upward
following the patterns,
crooked lines,
knotted intersections
all with their own purpose,
each a piece of the whole,
embracing the elements

I realize that life
must have a meaning
whether reaching or searching
and though I feel alone,
desolate within my own forest,
I now know that
the sky sees me too

-

Here within this narrow space
Deserted long the thoughts of youth
Age has crept its promised steps
Casting forth unwanted truth
Grasping wishes long since gone
Dissipating shadows reek
Stinking little wants and needs
Masking everything you seek
For this end does call your name
Chase the years now falling fast
Futures fade among the mist
Yesterdays collect your past
And as roses wilt the stem
There upon your box to die
Pictures those who stayed at home
Sending cards that wish goodbye
Hear the gravel close the gaps
Shoveled fill above your head
Shout until your throat is raw
No one listens to the dead