Raven

Born of petrified time—

a vessel of charcoal and myth—

he sails between the coastal peaks

with a tiny pirate flag,

stealing from weary merchants:

peanut butter jelly sandwiches,

sliced apples,

trail mix…

This Robin Hood of the skies

disappears into his misty refuge—

but not before leaving something behind.

He feels sorry for them, you see.

For their slow, labored pace.

Their feet hopelessly earthbound.

So he offers a gift in return:

a soft place

where guiding stars are born

in the gut,

the chest,

the heart—

a gentle journey

back to the time

when mist preceded matter,

and all was one.