we’ve been out for awhile

into the world full-forward

fear did its job

we no longer get too close

we draw close

too

like never before

it’s a whole new world.

we are

we must

see with brand new eyes

brand new

from my vantage beside a window ajar

Lake Michigan shore my pinkened sightline

waves crash high winds

who knew this lake the largest in the world!

boats’ echoes in this rocky cliff

the long before

casting hellos to footprints

the now this is

mine my sons’ the dog that bird.

what is

next

do the waters

do the winds

do the leaves buffeting

request answers

do the dogs paws flipping sand tumbling sea

question with intent

do I alone seek to draw a line across time

identifying my place in this strange place

we collectively agree to call

life?