i’m looking for the lichen that only grows
in the stillness between air and stone
one mind and another
delicate partnership
a gaze of knowing- 
you too have both Suffered and Surrendered

given over
bent deep
by waves and storms that come standard with having a heartbeat in this world

yet, you too (I see it in the gloaming of your eyes)
have found the magic
that secret that makes us part of this nature, not just discontented tourists

given over
bent deep
with roots in rich soil
holding fast the ancient knowledge
that what decays today will be reborn tomorrow

always

ALWAYS

ALIVE
in some part of this garden