IMAGES
PHOTOGRAPHS
WORDS
THE OFFERING
There was no place
for sadness here
at the edge of the world
no place for fear.
Here dolphins pursued
silver beams
in the breaking tide,
seabirds dived and sailed
in an ancient dance
of survival
disguised as joy.
Sea and sky
had no borders.
The woman stood
still as stone
a rock woman
sun-tinted hair
flying in the wind
sand sucking her deeper
as small waves swirled
over mounds of pebble toes
afraid that if she moved
she would somehow shatter
the balance
of light - foam - feather
and warm breath in salty waves.
She hid the sun
in her heart
and took it with her
to light the coming night
when time is caught
between worlds
and cracks form
in the fortress walls
and the gate is unguarded.
When fear creeps slyly
from the depths
and the darkness is no longer familiar.
Then to wake depleted
from battles
with no victories
afraid to return
to unfaithful sleep
afraid of the place
where demons have faces
with intimate eyes
afraid her season of ice
would return
to freeze her
in her tracks.
In the darkness tonight
she will make an offering
of the heart-hidden
sun of fire
glowing red
on the wind-swept
wings of morning.
She will make the gift
of a star
to guide her back
to herself
and to light the darkness within.
Please do not reprint or use any of this poem without permission from the author at tibart@mindspring.com
Copyright © 2002 - 2006 Elizabeth Dozier Steedly