there were roses
surely hundreds –
beneath a swarm
of ancient bees
there was music
sacred waters –
polished rocks
beneath the sea

might you find me
on paths
once taken –
here before so long ago
sacred hives
and battered nests
were all
i ever knew
to know

take me back
before the summer
wilts the rose
and fades the barn
take me home
on paths familiar –
will my aching heart
return

. . .