Fracture 93
(1)
There, there I see you -
walking along the shoreline,
the sun is your companion.
I see something following you.
The ocean wind is relentless
you continue walking into the headwind.
I see pieces of you fall away and in turn
the fragments begin following you.
I close my eyes and see a version of you
the you of another time.
Each fragment vibrates, wavelengths fluctuate
at times they balance in a peaceful state of radiant light.
(2)
The wind grows stronger with each step,
pieces of various sizes and color are removed
from the outer shell - I am exposed to what’s
beneath the surface and the way daylight
scatters, and I am in love with
you that I see and the prism of colors
your body and inner being exude,
I respect the turmoil you endure
to break through the layers and find you.
(3)
Hesitation at the final obstacle where the land
falls to the sea and there is no known path
across the valley. A pause as the wind relents,
its power stacking as pebbles and stones
are caught in the vortex, the vibration of
streams, the debris circling, waiting.
From this distance, I do not know what she may be
looking at or for, what her intentions are, or
where she will next step. I see the wind
growing impatient,
time passes and with reluctance, unease or
confusion from this new reality, you
raise arms and gather fragments from a distance
and place them one by one before you, creating
a multi-colored, vibrating bridge
over the raging river
violently tossing fallen trees and
icebergs at canyon walls.
(4)
The bits of fragment you chose to keep
lead to a new level of consciousness.
Others fell into the river and others
were discarded to the sea.
On the other side you are able to move
more freely, as burdens and weight
have been lifted, the mind more aware
of the being it communicates with.
The stone path you now stand upon
leads north into the mountains and
through the path you will arrive
at the ancient forest where I have been waiting.
Mirror
The child stares into the mirror of the adult
he is to become and both wonder why.
the adult sees a child running through
sand ahead of the waves and the look
of amazement when birds take flight
the child sees an adult lost
black eyes cold and the look
of bewilderment when he realizes
the path from here,
the only way forward,
the choices that lie ahead.
how do I get through the mirror?
the child sees a stray dog
and runs, chasing it into the water.
the adult sees a stray man
and plans to run, escape this life.
events begin to play upon the mirror
and the adult can only watch and remember.
thinking back to the one moment
the planted seed took root
the forked road vanished beneath black dirt.
only the shadow is visible in the mirror.
an outstretched hand reaches for
the other as lights fade away
and the mirror shatters.
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William Ricci is a writer of experimental poems and essays about nature and awareness with publishing credits that include: A View from the Loft, The Edge, Whistling Shade, Paper Darts, Primalzine, Whispering Angel, Kinship of Rivers, Seven Circle Press, Misty Mountain Review, Teesta Rangeet, and Lief Magazine. He is also the poetry editor for The Edge magazine and founding editor of Stone Path Review. He can be reached at www.wastelandhere.com
