These Hazy Days

Anew

Too long did I neglect these steps,

too long forgot this fragile shrine—

taken o'er by invasive ivy

and blackberry's twisting twine.

Stones throw their bodies

to the ground, heavenly posture

splintered sound.

Shht, shht

fire starting

proves harder in the rain.

Let me lay a flame down—

flame's black and cutting line.

Too long did these steps grow cold,

unfeeling to sorry feet.

Too long this tired heart has beat

in the palms of weakened hands.

I offer myself once again:

my body, breath, and bread.

From barren winter,

ribs and rain,

comes the prospect of the sun—

the thought that soon the trees will bloom

and I'll have, anew, begun.