refuge 2

sunlight catches drops
that cling to weeping
maple leaves—
is fire season gone?
is it ever?
she never used to note
the rise in moist air or
subtle dip in warmth
that signals safety
now it’s embedded—
maybe it’s time
to unpack the go-bag
that lives in the car
snug less-used clothes
back into drawers—
her central self
the deep core of knowing
senses eternal safety
but the body
is a whole other story
it hangs on to fear

sink deep inside, find
the thread of breath
that carries you
to your original refuge

This photo is from the Barnstorming Blog, which I’ve followed for
fifteen years. Thank you, Emily Gibson. https://barnstorming.blog/

2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.