Courage

In this valley, I’m alone
It’s easy to lose myself in movement
Should I stop, sit, rest and sleep
I fear I might merge with the moss underfoot.

There is life here
If I look closely
Place my ear to the ground
And sweep away yesteryear’s leaves.

I wait.

Long, spidery legs waver
Feeling each step
Judging its fit
Antennas touch in passing
Important messages are passed on
Supplies eagerly lugged back

There is much life here.

I can’t touch it; it’s sacred
but if I let it fill me
I can have just a glimpse
of what fuels this valley
It’s what I came for
What I call out for
What echos back
What I miss most
When it’s lost in the woods.