Perched on a cliff’s precarious edge,
I pivot and survey the arid landscape
to my left, behind me, and
to my right.

Astonished (for I never realized
how far I had already come), I stand
breathless at the view ahead,
a lush garden.

Arms stretch skyward,
my shoulders instinctively rotate
forward and, elbows out,
my palms press

Eastward and westward, expanding
my reach. Yet, at the height of celebration
and without reason, I step off
into the air.

Diving down, I release my spirit
to the Ever-Living One, surrender
my desire to plunge into
my long-awaited Eden,

And, on a swift and sudden wind,
I am lifted toward heaven and take
to free and feathered flight
on eagle’s wings.