Northern Solitude

Lured by solitude and

promises to mend lost souls,

my body, beaten down by stress

traverses frigid Superior waters surrounding rocky shores

– anxious to put foot to land

Like mythical sirens

she rises from the inland sea,

her song, carried by wind’s gentle breath

blows low and soft,

catching wisps of hair around my tired face

Restless muscles ache to carry their weary owner down dirt trails,

eyes already straining to see night stars dance in the clear vastness that arises

above the work-worn traveler;

loons call in the distance

– patience, patience, my body silently chants to itself

Time passes and finally

footsteps, strong and familiar with the earth below,

beat in rhythm to the ancient drums of my northern solitude –

Pulsating, my spirit has come home.

© Tara E. Wisnewski Janisch and Rugged Earth Blessings, 2012-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of original poems, essays and photographs without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.