for a while
before I knew you well
were ways I walked alone
lonely nights
curved against the clay
lullabies
to only self
of sometimes stories knew
of places I was going
everywhere and
faraway

beyond
the reach
of one more rise –
one more bitter chill
a sacrifice remembered
in my bones
an aged need
to fill my gut
crooked boards and wine
a place beyond
these places
I am known

where once I stood
on tender soles
and watched the dream released
above the lake
in whispers soft and clear
a breath
I scarce remember how
a moment all the same –
turning back the night
to find you
here

. . .