Night Walk

Night Walk


This lamp post is my map
to the shrubby pines
sharp resin reaching
choking this brick path
which tip-toes
into the darkness ahead.

This lamp post is a heart
from which all arteries expand
as its light limps
into the enclosure, just here
I will stamp the fog from my toes
and I will follow.

This lamp post leaks its life
through dense damp thicket
illuminating leaf by leaf
the secret of sight
and bending mind to enter
my name is snared
by this bower of twigs.

Standing naked, nameless now
standing where it all begins
I no longer need the light to see.

I am atlas to the forest moths
who hover close enough
to share my breath
and dust me with their
burning incandescence.

I will lead them fearless
to the end of this night
where we will scatter
into morning shadows.