Twirly Things
by Odin Roark

Loneliness,
The ever-aware sadness never knowing,
Did stumble about untouched
Awaiting enigma’s shadow
To enter into the light.

Came that special day
It did awaken,
As curled atop summer grass
The young boy made simple discovery.

So unadorned came the moment,
As laying upon his back,
A mere release of breath
Sent dandelion umbrellas afloat,
Their landing a graceful message upon his chest…

“Awaken your heart,”
Did they whisper,
“For challenge awaits
beyond youthful innocence.”

So many years trailed behind,
Where among trampled grasses of trial and error
Memory’s favorite messenger,
This weed of delicate flight,
Remained his companion of conscience,
Childhood’s compassionate gift.

How precious was discovery,
Introduced once as a gently landing twirly thing,
Quietly delivering a weathered warrior called love,
Life's protection for man's vulnerable tenderness...
Within.