*
*
(inspired by Fire by Joy Harjo)
*
Oh, to be a night wind woman
star-singer, primal spark
riding the rolling air
in the cool high dark
*
Oh, to be a night wind woman
wrapped in a shawl of allegory
gift of the hidden race
keeper of secrets and story
*
Oh, to be a night wind woman
Mary Magdala’s daughter
bearer of truth and lightning
radiant comet, sacred water
*
Oh, to be a night wind woman
in whom all life began
spiral of the universe
imprinted on her hand
*
*
The universe was a Mobius strip,
a ribbon of stars and galaxies,
turning in on its own darkness
then rolling into the light
of its expanding creation.
*
The sideways eight of eternity
ever evolving into more of itself
hummed like a church organ,
deep, resonant, the OM
of expanding creation
*
The universe coiled around itself,
intoning its glory and delight in
every particle, every sentient being,
a sailing song of infinite love for
its ever-expanding creation
*
*
Shiva’s skin glows blue.
He sits on a tiger skin
on a rock
on top of Mount Kailasa.
He is still and silent.
Complete.
The sound is OM.
He rests in his own delight.
His heart is the sacred center.
He is a perfect, pure lake of love.
He needs nothing.
Desires nothing.
*
Shakti comes like a warm breeze.
Her golden veil billows out behind her.
Her movement stirs the still water.
Circles of ripples intersect in spiral patterns.
*
Shiva does not move.
*
Shakti tickles the lake’s surface
with slender brown fingers.
Fish appear—
sunset orange, crystal white,
transparent fins waving.
Shakti strokes the sky,
pokes holes with her fingernail.
Bursts of light shine through
the indigo dome.
*
Shiva opens one eye, just a slit.
*
Shakti smiles a secret smile.
She hums a lyric tune.
She dances on the surface of the lake.
Where her feet touch, islands appear.
Verdant vines twine up blossoming trees.
Jasmine scents the gentle air.
*
Shiva’s nose twitches. His nostrils widen.
*
Shakti twirls to her own music.
Her hair flies free.
Where it touches the sky, birds take flight—
crimson feathers, feathers of turquoise and lime green,
dipping, floating against the cobalt sky.
*
Shiva opens both eyes.
Tangled Magic 