Ruach


I stand alone.
I stand alone where once
I stood alone;
Facing the ribbon of islands
And the open sea beyond.

I ask questions.
I ask questions where once
I expected answers;
My toes buried in powdered shells
And slippery bladderwrack.

I wait.
I wait where once
I waited impatiently;
Hearing nothing but crashing waves
And gulls calling above.

But then was never the beginning,
Just as now will not be the end.
Time makes way for the spirit,
Blown in on the wind that strokes my cheek.

I stand alone and find that I can breathe.