Empty Hand

Beryl sky beneath me, sunlight laden underspread

fallen leaves above me, pell-mell world fallen heels over head

but nothing’s changed except for me

hanging upside-down on the branch of a tree

Life suspended with me on the axis of the universe

the dream of my potential, the weight of my accepted burse

my fate at stake, so little time

I right myself and start to climb

But I can’t take this baggage with me

and I can’t climb unless I let it fall away

and I can’t reach the top to see the world

for what it is and what it can be

unless I keep a free and empty hand

Yes, rise above the gallows, collect the keys that will sustain me

ascending with the light of day, keeping still when climbing drains me

tap the ash root, let it feed through

check the peace till no one needs to

But I can’t take this baggage with me

and I can’t climb unless I let it fall away

and I can’t reach the top to see the world

for what it is and what it can be

unless I keep a free and empty hand

The rain that whips, the wind that stings, the sun that burns

exposed to all and more as I rise and grow and learn

the branches that support, the roots that spread, the leaves that sigh

the earth below, the sky above, your companion hand nearby