Amidst the Rocks

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AMIDST THE ROCKS

I had fallen amidst the rocks
Having perched on a shale
Ledge that crumbled away.
I tried for a purchase
To slow my fall, but in
The end fell half in
Half out of the sea.

Whatever was broken couldn't
Prevent my looking back to assess
My failure and plot the solution
To my present state. The sun
Was past its zenith and a mild
Surf was balm to my wounds.
It seemed enough to live, but

I looked ahead toward the time
I must drag myself high up before
The tide came in. There was blood
About and crabs coming curiously close.
I watched their progress thinking when
The time was right I'd reassemble
For the first of it: to move my hand

And arm and stir my legs to see
What messages they sent. The surf
Was more insistent that I back
Away. Oh sea, I have been
Friend to thee for such a long
Time. Let me rest a little while;
Then I'll make a way for thee.

I dreamt awhile, seeing a broad path
Through a gleaming meadow where kine
Grazed and vines wound through the trees
Dripping wine and honey. I rose
With the setting sun and began to run
With a sense of anticipation back up
The mountain side spreading wings.