Breathe

Swish, swish, swishing to an eventual still.

Grass beneath bare feet,

wind on a damp face,

whispers of what’s lost—

a distant memory,

a fleeting moment.

Hesitation—

a foot off the ground.

Foot placed down,

slowly… with a breath,

breathing in the scent of what used to be,

breathing out the feelings that still linger.

Taken in with the dew-dusted trees’ rhythmic sway.

Mimicking unconsciously.

Staring out over the horizon,

searching for further motion,

for shadows that may still return.

Restful,

thoughtful,

swaying—

slowly into stillness.

Steps come

slow,

slow,

slower—

as all thought

leeches from the mind.

Shuddering breaths become less, calm breaths

become more.