Germination

Nestled in a woodland fortress,

I explored the soil in solitude.

Mind soaring over plentiful green

and scattered wildflowers.

Studying the terrain as one

prepares for blindness.

Remember to cross the carpet

of moss and pass the scent of mint,

just beyond the toad grove you enter

a protective retreat of spruce confusion.

Crafted skill of a fresh rain

stream to smooth clay and stone

or design the foundation for which I stand

a calm yet fierce erosion.

Not a swallow too high,

Grub too deep,

I planted my soul,

The earth to keep.

Infidel

I tried - forgive my fading ember.

For you I'd face the fire and sulfur,
But all I saw was languishing ember.

A sudden cold rain has enlivened me,
Extinguishing what's left of the ember.

This canoe was not meant for open sea,
As it now lies submerged with the ember.

Fire reborn, visible light you feel,
Please accept my faith among the ember.