Gleanings: I

parted from self 

mind awry 

in dark grief and 

bound within 

enclosed spaces 

heart locked away 

opening up my chest 

singing out sorrows 

everything is black and red 

something ends then 

I want to shed my skin 

to discard the numbness 

I have used to clothe myself

and seek suitable blessings 

to hold my attention, to deepen towards – 

gentleness and flow and allowing 

I long to be borne by 

many hearts, many hands 

so I am carried 

still heart-sore, but knowing 

I am swimming in the body of love 

and if I start slowly from 

a low-to-the-ground place 

I find my frailty has been my strength 

opening, the fragile flower of hope 

for even what is lost might still seed

(September 2023)