“Rejuvenation”

breathe in

inhale 
blue sky
crisp air
bright sun
jagged rocks
frosty trees

held breath 
too long

forgotten
mystery
of sacred alcoves

now
breathe all in
deeply

the rhythm
of routine

the radiance
of faces

the elegance
of habits

the whispers
in trees

watch
they enter

two by two
somber and majestic
like queens

try not
to stare
though they
contradict
all reason

how is it
that in black
they radiate
light?

how
in black
do they scream
joy?

give peace?

are they not
dead
to the world?

is not
black
for mourning?

heart aches
as it reawakens
stretching
for you 
oh simple life

too clear 
a mirror
of paradise

held up
against me
reveals me
to myself

bearing traces
of the world
outside

within you
oh cloister
I am but
a pauper

I drop
to my knees
amidst your
treasure

take me to
transcendent
heights
where you sing
with choirs
of angels

let me dance
in your hay
cattle lulling

let me bow
and rise
in sacred time

fill my
inhaling lungs
with sweetness

stock my shelf
with memories

for the world
outside
awaits