echo

we travel slowly in the dark
under the masked gaze of a new moon,
the peat soil, soft beneath my feet
and it is easy, with the embers smothered,
to allow the night slumber to intoxicate the senses
settling me into her embrace

awakening within the morning glow
of a world transformed during those dormant hours,
like a newborn, I see for the first time
the texture of life which resides here
and lifts the mood above the tranquil spirit of sleep
releasing me into the vibrant nature of this home

I walk under the forest canopy,
the light filtering down at my feet,
and the movement of a stream,
out of sight, can be heard in the distance -
a breeze born from the rushing water unfolds,
blanketing the land, and brushes cool against my face

it plays with my unkempt hair,
tugs on the branches of trees,
sways the blooming wild flowers,
and holds everything in its motion
as a breath without body
echoing the heart of this world

suspended in this reflection,
I might continue to wander these mountains
and move like the river breeze -
flowing, unique and alone,
within the grace of a pulse, which forever threads us
together upon a path engraved with love