Slim Night of Recognition - by Emma Howell

I’ve been practicing
because it’s all about the ritual.
Wrapping myself tighter
and looking for darkest corners because
you don’t want the light
to find out what you’ve done.

There is a path of evolution
that can follow you anywhere
so you’ve got to watch your footing.
And there is no escape
when your intention is carved
in every bone and step
between you
and the inevitable avalanche.

The last rite
is the laying down,
the acceptance of lasts,
the becoming something less than whole.

Too slowly
the final appreciation of sky
before it rolls over
and makes your last word
one of the stars.