walking on the boardwalk
memories cascade
in the light rain
an emotional facial
my skin moist
ocean waves crash
in the distance
mist sprays
a peaceful grieving remembrance
his spirit walks beside me
he steps ever so gingerly
i welcome his visit in my dreams
with his fatherly advice
in traditional metaphorical riddle
no footprints in the sand
no voice
but only
as i walk nostalgic, alone
in this sacred pause
and shadowy air
his silhouette unseen --
and he is there
go easy, i say to this morning
please make me see clearly
may i place my feet on this murky earth
and say thank you
may i return to this miraculous breath
every wake in life
every accidental slip, intentional step,
moment of unhinged challenge
that has been for me
i pray in the magical moment --
let the fog sweep away
all that is wrought in hate and trauma
instead, let the fog
spread a cloud of loving compassion
turned into swinging acts of kindness
thank you, beaming sun,
for reminding me
how strong, how deep
these lakeside roots
and my center stand
carry me free like the
ripples in the fog
