When the ground gives way to our tears,

it is vetting our vulnerabilities,

reversing the vehemence of treasures, forgotten;

memories, shredded;

intentions, maligned –

just long enough to trouble itself with our footprints.

Soil cracks and splits,

giving itself to the probing intrigue

of life – spacious, new, bon vivant.

Oh, this heart, designed to pound

in the direction of its own freedom!

Why must it refuse the trouble

of this painful newness?

Perhaps what pushes up from suffering

will answer the hard-soiled questions

best left unanswered –

until what once lay frozen

now graces the presence of sky?

___________________________

Painting by Valerie Dodge-Reyna