Storm Damage

The path, already full of twists,
Is strewn now with downed trees,
and landslide boulders.
The bridge over the abyss
Full of loose rails and splintered boards.

We have few tools to meet the task,
But we work to clear the limbs,
to leverage rocks aside.

Aching, but determined,
we hack at undergrowth
to straighten some of the turns—
make plain those rough places.

The bridge is almost gone
But
Our friends hold our harness ropes
As we tighten the rails and
lay ourselves across the beams

To hammer new cross planks,
To make the deck sound,
To make a safe crossing,
To give you a way back.

December, 2023