i feel the cliff crumble slightly under my shoes
as the spray from the ocean thundering below
climbs on thermals blowing the hair out of my face.
my bones know the distance that spans
between my human fragility
and the sharp black rocks below hidden by the roiling surf
and for a moment i want to surrender to it all
give myself to sea
let my blood mingle with the saline vastness
and become part of something bigger,
better than what my life could ever be.

but i rock back on my heels and the earth welcomes me
i feel my roots pulse with life and connection  
and the coldness that had seeped into my veins flees
burned away with the wildfire of the sunset

i feel a hand on my shoulder turning my attenion
understanding flows in a single look from an old friend
and we make our way back home.