for Wendy
Step carefully
when you tread on the earth.
Know every step you take
presses on her body:
her face her forests
brown skin of her mountains
changeable eyes of her lakes.
How easy it is to forget
your long-time lover—
ages it has been
you have shared this bed.
What began in deep reverence
sinks into habit—
your steps grow heavy
you trample
the shoots of love.
Bring your gaze from the stars
to the ground of your being.
She is there beneath you
she is all around you—
she holds you steady
keeps you firm—
do not take for granted
the love in your bones.
How rooted you are
in her love.
She is your home
your strength
your carrying on.
She is the fire
in the core of your heart -
how easy it is to forget
your center.
Susan Windle