i have a sense the trail is around here somewhere
so i ask for directions from those around me
who can hear me, who might respond to me
though asking directions assumes several things
being able to speak, trusting enough to listen
renewed faith after many accidental and
intentional misdirections
so asking for directions isn’t just admitting i’m lost
it requires that i know my voice
as well as unlearning all the times i wasn’t heard
finding my way back to the path
means i hear myself speak
resisting the silence that i learned
isolating myself in response
to connections lost
standing amidst the shadows
listening to the trees
feeling the wind
no more forgetting
no more silence
there is no panic, only stillness
as i turn the shadows dissolve
i speak gently, hearing my voice
i know the way
for now
i take a small step
forward
~~~1.21.13