tender encounter

trusting, trusted

  because if i fear betrayal, i cannot

  allow myself to be vulnerable

quiet

  because noise and foolishness detract

  from me, and even more from you

at peace

  because that blessed state only comes

  when i am still enough to listen deeply

hopeful

  because whatever action that ensues

  will – i hope – nurture all involved

fulfilling

  as i am grateful tenderness has been

  with young bobcat newly on his own

  as he stopped to look, acknowledging

            me without fear

  with the run-away patch of daisies

  in my yard as i walked away leaving

  all to the new owners and they bent

            with the wind, in promise

            to be themselves in gift

with the rocky cliff at my back

as i came to realize we are made

            of much the same elements