Refuge
Alexandra Miller
I find my refuge,
Deep in the heart of the forest
Where the moss-covered trees cradle me in their warm embrace
They are my protective parents that love me unconditionally
I step hesitantly into the familiar lake
The water is frigid.
I overcome my fears and plunge headfirst into the dark depths of the water
It flows in every contour of my body
I move as fluidly as a fish, contorting my body in every direction
Until finally, I come up, gasping for air
Gliding to the center of the lake
I pause floating on my back
Here I look up through the small opening in the trees
And wonder at the miracles and terrors of our world
This is my refuge, where I am truly free
I am awakened from my daydreaming by the shimmering perch
They surround my body, nibbling playfully at my toes
They swirl around me in a blurry silvery cloud
They are my pestering younger siblings whom never leave me alone
Here in the deepest part of the forest
I find my happiest moments
Here my soul is free to dance
This is my refuge.