As a third cloud formed above our heads,
each one's shadow cast upon the other
in a hierarchy of altitudes
we clasped our frozen hands
and funnelled the rain through our arms
Pools of water gathered at our feet and grew
In the distance, the circumferential horizon contracted
revealing clusters of symbols
carved out of earth, sun, moon, water and bone
Rattles, reeds, hides and clubs
hung from branches just above our reach
the presence of which evoked soothing sounds
and corporeal rhythms
warming our hands and reminding us of our providential birth
Beneath us, rocks rose from the surface
lifting us beyond the watermark
from where floods recede in Spring
The fear subsided, the sky opened, embraced us
and only the backs of our necks
could sense what was beyond.
Mark Cartile, 2009
