“…the love that consists in this, that two solitudes protect
and border and salute each other.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

I raise hand to brow and look far
toward the distant horizon and across
vast empty space polluted
with so much misunderstanding.
Mushroom cloud pain hangs
in hazy air – disastrous consequence
of when one of us thought we
knew best for the other.

I wonder, do you remember me,
do you even know I am alive?
I know you would not believe it,
that my feet are planted squarely where
my soul knows they have belonged.
I will be a lookout, keeping watch.
For you, friend of my heart,
I will not abandon post.

Much as I desire to jump headfirst
into the deep, cold river of mystery
that lies between my land and yours,
swim to beg forgiveness yet again,
my task is only to stand fast, here
along these sacred borderlands,
and acknowledge grace at work
in the wounded heart of a friend.