Ribbons of light hurry to the ground then

shatter and bounce whimsically in

rebellious defiance of gravity to frolic in the leaves.

River rocks beg for union and

the water obliges, gently massaging each;

the sound of their love a lullaby for the soul.

The proud call-and-response of birds

punctuates the loud silence,

giving form to the auditorium of the forest.

Barely audible vibrations of distant gossamer wings

crescendo then fade in the opposite direction

as an insect’s speed disrupts the air and

ripples playful whispers against my cheek.

The noble air comes to life, its invisible vitality revealed.

It grants life, sharing its abundance and

I finally honor it with gratitude.

–

Suddenly my chest yearns to expand,

my breastbone begs for release,

my rib cage desperate to split wide,

for my soul yearns to receive.

I balance on the cliff-side

arms spread,

chest splayed,

eyes closed,

face to the sky

reveling in my spaciousness,

united with the world by the wind and the warmth of the sun.

My skin is the air,

my mind is the sun,

my blood is the water;

I have dissolved.

Transformed from myself into everything,

loneliness of the one realizing union with the all.

***