after the rain the weeds
green

and peeking
wiggle their way between

the stones
and gravel

push their way
through the dark of the dirt

expanding in the morning light
we circle

and swirl in our systems
we wait the weather

ever mindful of the bumps
and jags that seek

to knock us off our line
we pray through the paces

so careful of the roots
that hold us

and keep us in place

the cicadas slur their final words
of summer

from one side of the lake
to the other

a sedge of herons
is perfect

just above the water
all along

the green of the mountains
autumn

is already pecking its reds
and yellows

drift to any distance
and you will dance

through delight
and damage

i have been           loneliness
i have been           holiness

and i now know
the difference

the day has flared
and fallen

into fire
clouds climb

in silence
the trees whisper

something green
in their mystery

in places
wait the oranges

and reds of autumn
in places

wait the whites
and blues of winter

sometimes we must
look upon the things

we have no name for

it was curled up
on the shore

of the lake
all rock rust

and stone still
all charcoal eyed

and summer silence
its tail

a feathered stir
of brushfire

and soft gray ash
wrapped

its body
part pillow

part blanket
it did

not move
as i made

my way closer
but our eyes

locked
and we both agreed

that there was
no need

for anyone
to get too excited

when we congregate
and collect

our prayers
you can

catch me
through

the chaos
and remember that

in a breadcrumb trail
of stars

the full moon
moves into place

and brightens
and brightens

the washes
of wildflowers

sway in secret rhythms
the tiny white buttons

of butterflies dance
a chaotic ballet

the stones stand
in the field

sun warmed
and singing ancient songs

when dark demands
present themselves

when the inevitable heaviness of life
hovers above us

and is whining in our ear
take a moment

to measure the music
within you

there rests
the answers to doubt

there resides
the remedy to grief