for JR



at the grove’s edge

you meet them all, each one

dripping hurt, steel eyed

dusted and luminous



moss trod and lichen lipped

you go on, forgiving and seeking forgiveness.

looking back, you see that

none follow and alone you go

liminal in the margin



at the dipping point

each river pool clears of whispering ghosts

your trinkets, tokens, icons of memory

are placed in offering as expiation



each gesture a steady movement

each step up the mountain, lighter still

you are deep prayer moving steadily

toward foresight,  toward reclamation, toward flight



ascendant

you are golden haired



loved by the gods

you are sweet-breathed



as friend, father, brother, as joy-bringer

you are seminal and unbound





MCHALLIS © 2015