I press my hand into the rock
this cave dwelling of yesteryear
and yesteryears before that
hand in hand, exactly
living inside solidified.
Bending still,
my eyes turn upward
seek the crevasse,
its light
and breath of breeze.
Clouds stir
create, reform
amorphous ambivalent shapes.
A spirit courses through my fingertips
perhaps rides the wisps above.
And I understand. I feel. I know.
Those before me, before them
all are dear to her,
threads of life intermingled
tied to the earth’s core.
Me in 2003 — at Walnut Canyon, Arizona. The Sinagua people lived in the cliff dwellings within the mountain sides. This is me, putting my hand into a print in the cave wall — I was so moved. My hand fit exactly. I’ve never forgotten it. The second “picture” – my words, written next to the picture in my scrap book….”It is an amazing feeling of connection to humans of another time.” All these years later, still remember that feeling and it motivated this piece.
This is a lovely poem. It sounds like it was a profound experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. So glad you liked it – yes, I’ve never forgotten that experience. Have always been fascinated by cave dwelling etchings – those drawings as a way of leaving behind our times on earth. Really, when you think about it, that’s what artists do on canvas, paper etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Morning Lillian.
Yes, it is amazing as you so elegantly have written here-the sensation one might experience when touching life on the left side of history’s timeline.
I love the stanzas anchored with your image and caption – wonderful and inspiring.
am:)
rounding cup number 2;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad to see you this AM — and thank you for your kind words. Ready to take my first cup out on the deck here in glorious Ptown. Sun is shining, tide is out and gulls are about. Into day 2 of two weeks in this wonderful place. 🙂
LikeLike
I’d forgotten you were in Ptown. Gosh, I’d like nothing better right now than to hear the surf-all else evaporating…
I’m swishing my coffee cup around trying to hear the ocean;)
Enjoy, Lillian-lucky lady!
am:)
LikeLiked by 1 person