Poem: The Dance of Being

The Dance of Being

The smell of death dances it rhythm;
Drums beating faintly as
Branches bare themselves to open spaces

Here in this fertile valley-
Where corn and sunflowers sing their bliss
Blanketing my head, burying my body,
kissing my wound goodnight
Until child lies down, her breath carries off by the wind.

Oh Ancients, your roots bathe the earth like
longing outstretched arms exhaling invitations
Meandering through fields to brush against my ear
Cooling tear-drenched face.
Oh Ancients of Love, in glistening hues,
Praising sky and invoking dewy buds to open;
Your hands beckon me to enter.

Child gathering up flowy dress, to stand
Yet tripping over mossy rocks,
She surrenders.
Slipping through sacred portal
Clenched jaws now so gracefully released.

Here at lake's edge she exhales
Sister stars radiate cosmic doorstep opening onto
Chartreuse vistas stretched out in long-awaited welcome.

Supported in pearly web of Infinite breath that
Vibrates, crumbling thirsty earth.
Trampoline pressed down, release her winter into sweet wine
Separate sugar from the ash

Now, drench sullen eyes with light.
Enter fragrant death with dancing
Arise fullest ecstasy
Only to melt back into your earthiness once more.