Sentinels

Sentinels

Posted along the limestone ridge
Monumental Sentinels
Beam stories from eons past

Limbs, every curve telling of a long-ago encounter
of paths nearly crossed
a brief hello
And then questing for light
a gracious inching away
nodding to the growth of the other

I shall stretch my hammock across those wise, generous limbs
and spend tonight in the Forest
Wrapped in down and feathers
My heartbeat slowing to nothing
My limbs a curling cocoon
My soul thrilling to the dark, to the stillness

The stillness that blankets the sleep of winter
Healing wounds
Healing aches
Healing fatigue

I shall sleep in the Forest tonight
and grow old as the Trees
and young as the Rootlets

I shall sleep the sleep of the Trees
Dream the dreams of the Ancients
Soar high above
and far below

Impervious to cold, to pain, to worry
I shall journey to distant lands and times
Converse with the Ancestors
Marvel at their creations of soil and sky
Miracles of the great beginning

I shall unravel my care-worn sleeves
and then return to you
Rewoven, shining, joyful
New.