World, my amazing World, you sustained me

When death came near.

Winds first rustling in wild torrents flew me

To the hospital, where waiting doctors listened for

Sirens above the whoosh.

Water iced over in silver-white edges cracked in support and

Traction in the frenzy of gurneys and running emergency bustle.

Candles flickered during desperate prayers in the darkest hours

That night when tiny flowers found strength in their mulch-covered seeds.

You, my World, embraced me then comforted and saw us through.

 

World, my nurturing World, you comforted me

When death stepped aside.

Trees in February’s chill dug into the deepest soils

Past dried leaves, left over snowed tears, and

Knotted growths to pull up the delicate leaf buds of

March, slowly, shyly gazing through my hospital window

Teaching me that roots grow within us all

Bringing life when we most need the breath for one more day.

 

World, my brazen World, you goaded and prodded

Me in defying the daily deaths of apathy, fear, and resignation

As I returned home yet needed more healing.

Sun shining into my home brought no soft rays of light but

Instead fire-flight wings of energized determination,

Allowing for my own tears to well-up and flow,

My hurt to howl out in springtime’s wind songs,

My knees to gratefully sink to soft muds and new grass in cries of humble gratitude

Following wobbly steps and murmured fears.

You celebrated and inspired

Recovery through a dark passage.

Your flames would reach up, billow, and tower to illuminate new paths or

Grow smaller into candle flames to warm each pastel spring morning to a golden afternoon

 

World, my miraculous World, you celebrate with me

A rebirth in this summer a year of trials, growth, and wonder after that first shock.

Winds elevate to make me want to fly or coo to me

Water in storm torrents or soft mist cleanse me

Your minerals, rocks, and soil connect me to a deeper, richer inner-well

Your fire warms for energy and ignites my determination.

World, my amazing, nurturing, brazen, miraculous World, thank you for my life.