breathe in
inhale
blue sky
crisp air
bright sun
jagged rocks
frosty trees
held breath
too long
forgotten
mystery
of sacred alcoves
now
breathe all in
deeply
the rhythm
of routine
the radiance
of faces
the elegance
of habits
the whispers
in trees
watch
they enter
two by two
somber and majestic
like queens
try not
to stare
though they
contradict
all reason
how is it
that in black
they radiate
light?
how
in black
do they scream
joy?
give peace?
are they not
dead
to the world?
is not
black
for mourning?
heart aches
as it reawakens
stretching
for you
oh simple life
too clear
a mirror
of paradise
held up
against me
reveals me
to myself
bearing traces
of the world
outside
within you
oh cloister
I am but
a pauper
I drop
to my knees
amidst your
treasure
take me to
transcendent
heights
where you sing
with choirs
of angels
let me dance
in your hay
cattle lulling
let me bow
and rise
in sacred time
fill my
inhaling lungs
with sweetness
stock my shelf
with memories
for the world
outside
awaits
