The Bridge

i stared across the bridge, lantern held high... searching the trees and the shadows for a sign. the surging river below made my heart stamp its feet; the wind blew, almost moaned, the bridge groaned as it swayed. taking off my boots, i crossed barefooted and sure. looking down, i could not see rocks, but i knew they were there... on the other side the damp dirt felt good to my feet... i followed the path down, ever down... a wolf howled! i came to a clearing, made out the form of your hut... dark and still, almost a womb. i made my way to the door, my trembling hand on the knob... unlocked, the door opened. staring around the darkened room, nothing moved, only a lone candle on the table beside the bed. i could feel the stare of your hungry eyes... heard you whisper, 'come here! ' a thousand battles, and journeys untold, forgotten in the warmth of your flesh... new stars formed in a limitless sky, fell and shattered as we loved! the groan of the earth, the moan of the wind, the fury of storms unleashed. holding back, holding back, till there was no return... dissolving into the fire of your pulsing depths... and all of life, finished! with the morning light, i found myself alone... got up and dressed with the ache and the taste... as i left the hut, i turned to see the owl... set my chin, braced my mind, and walked to face the coming snow!