I went running
along the sunny beach
and ran into shadow
I kept running even though
there was beach with sun
because the shadow felt right
I ran towards a dead snag
Huge rocks were scattered on the beach
I stopped and placed my palms on one
And asked the rock to take away my grief
And then though, no, that wasn't right
I asked the rock to lend me its strength during grief
I ran on
I took some comfort that there were
footprints in the sand
Someone had preceded me
I ran to the snag
an eagle sat on top
I sang America the Beautiful
to the eagle
and bowed
when I looked again
the eagle soared, wings spread, out of sight
I turned to run back
and no there were only my footprints
I thought I'd imagined the other set
in my grief
Then I passed the woman and her dog
who now were tracing my footsteps
I had passed them
I ran within my grief
I let it rise
and dissipate
I stopped twice more at rocks
One to change my prayer again
ask the rock to inspire me with its strength
Once to thank the rocks
I passed from the shadow
again into the light
3/3/02