forget
of then
remembered when
we might have known some other
ways to go
the long way
leading here
distances becoming
the memory of more
trace to trees
dirty feet
and graces
holding near

the weary one
I’ve known a few
and more
I could not name
are sleeping
with the angels
yet tonight
safe beyond the reach
of words –
wooly warms
and warriors
listen now their prayer
for fearless flight

ages past
as nowhere else
they know
of ways I’ve come
and how the ache
has kept a page
within
salted by my sorrows
lifted high
my bliss
remembered me
of all I willed
begin

. . .