*This is based off of an actual experience. Enjoy!*
The Life-Rings
The sun freezes my skin
into place. The trees kneel,
laying their limbs upon
my path. The ground is soft,
yet hardened by lingering frost.
A slipping foot mixes soil
with sky. How unnatural
I feel on the side of
this ridge. My toes snag,
sending me careening forward,
caught only by the branching rings
of an ancient stump. Shards of
its torn flesh bite into the
hearts of my hands. I stare,
transfixed, as small rubies
are embedded in the life-circles
belonging to this scarred skeleton.
Red turns to brown, blending,
churning. Suddenly, I feel much
more at home.
