sestina on returning
I left the place that I once called my home
To grow I found it must be for the best
Until I took a step I saw no path
To old familiar haunts I said farewell
Desire drove me on without a rest
Through wind and rain, sunshine and cloud and snow
What did I learn embattled in the snow
Of hubris and humility and home?
From sunup til sundown we took no rest
Protectors and providers gave our best
At gunpoint we were forced to say farewell
We'll be brought back together by the path
Along another road, a different path
The way forward was cleared by melting snow
Another lover told me to farewell
Another one I would not call my home
Surprise me twice! It must be for the best
My heart is for the world, for all the rest
In canyons green I took a little rest
Let streams and cactus flowers be my path
For once the sole decider of what's best
The distant peaks called to me with their snow
The warm and verdant rivers could be home
The moon and sun my roof, why say farewell?
Why, you know that I must have bid farewell
to red rocks, chaparral, thorns and the rest
My longing footsteps pulled me back towards home
I'd never been that way but knew the path
As one whose footprints lead them through the snow
To house and home and one they love the best
Perhaps what knows us first we call the best
I return every time I say farewell
The season turns, I look now for the snow
In some small corner where I'll take my rest
For every step along this mountain path
Reminding me that I am coming home
They struggle best who stop to take a rest
Farewell I said, I'll find you on the path
When snow flies we'll light candles in our home.