PREPARATION

how temporary life is
how near the burning sun
we fly how dark
life is without stars
how blood can rise
and fall in one night
unnecessary in the
next how sleeping on the hard
earth is preparation
how what we think
we know descends
into the belly
bold as fire
and while we struggle
rather than surrender
will not set us free
how hiking a steep
slope reminds us of
all our journeys towards home

© Joan Barton, 2001

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