Hope

I see a land of blue skies

White clouds

Just beyond the lands of smoke and plume, beyond fire and lava

Steam and flame

This place where no one knows my name

Nor does anyone care to know it

I see a land beyond

Yet

These ancient trees stand at the entry

They speak with arms all outstretched

They say, “You cannot pass. You shall not enter here.”

I feel an old companion, fear

Begin to rise up inside my chest

I look to the ground, I take a breath

I realize there is always another way

I look up to the trees, leafless, barren

I speak

“There are things one sows, those same we reap

I have sown love and passion and honor”

As I smile, I weep 

and say,

“I will see the lands of my ancient fathers.”

The trees they scoff at such a line

They do not budge one inch.

I hear the calling of the finch

I begin to walk to the singing

“Where do you think you’re going?”

The gnarled garrison barks in unison

“I am going to the song.” I reply

And I leave them in confusion

My feet are anxious to walk in the newly fallen snow

My heart is anxious to begin to grow

So that it might hold all the beauty that is before me

1/9/17