it was the end of December, near freezing
the cedars dripped rain —
their flat green sprays glistened and fanned
like hands turned upward
supplicants waiting for snow’s benediction
we walked along the path together
stepping cautiously on wet icy pavement
it’s black surface reflected the sky like still water
beyond the path,
the forest was
unknown
unseen
dark matter
we reached the crossing
and you went counterclockwise
instead of our usual way
a lone crow uttered a croaking cry
as if lamenting our lack of equilibrium.
The year was turning,
and for the first time ever
I feared that if you touched me
(if anyone touched me)
I’d tip over.
Published in Willows Wept Review, Issue 36; Spring 2025

May these words bring truth
and healing through open hands and hearts.
And then, let it flow back into our Mother Earth
for the love of all her beings.
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Oh honey….. so visceral!
So vulnerable….
Vulnerability also is a source of strength
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div>Keep
Oh yes, that is so true. And thank you for allowing me to be so. ❤️🌲
Wow! Love this poem Diane. Thank you!
Iva
Thank you Iva! After doing a little more research on dark matter I made a few tweaks which you should be able to see if you visit the actual post on my website.
I’m feeling the uncertainty of the future, the loss of what was, how the past brought strength and sure-footed certainty. I think I want to cry.
We seem to be stepping into such uncertainty these days and it is even harder as we age and have suffered previous losses. May the strength of your past experiences sustain you as you move forward dear Michael.
We are at the tipping point of dark into light. Our equilibrium is being strained/tested. But ‘Light is returning even though this is the darkest hour, no one can hold back the dawn… Earth Mother is calling her children home.’ You are home and I will always walk with you from the dark into the dawn. much love,Shasta
Yes. . . in spite of all that is going on in the world, the wheel continues to turn. I am so grateful to have you walking beside me my dear friend. May we continue to give each other strength.
Wow – Diane that’s a powerful poem. Thank you for sharing it with me. New year’s blessings! Madeline
M. Madeline Dietrich M.A. S.E.P. Creator of Unlock Pleasure Senior Pathwork Helper Somatic Therapist Member Ontario Mental Health Professionals http://www.madelinedietrich.com 613-852-4072
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Thank you Madeline!
Once again, I am no poet, so this is just my personal reaction – the last point is really powerful I think, so I have tightened up the path that leads to it…
Happy New Year
Paige
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Thanks Paige! I’m always open to your suggestions! xo