The Trail to Salt Creek

In my grief

            The trail to Salt Creek

            Is guarded by prickly-pear

            And jumping cactus.

I can’t go back.

            I have forgotten

            How to slide down the shale ridge

            To our fishing spot.

How can I find joy?

            I cannot sneak past

            The purple sage on the ledge

            Where rattlesnakes thaw.

I am afraid.

I am afraid.

I can’t go back.

In my grief,

How can I find joy?

I can’t go back.

How can I find joy?

In my grief, I am afraid.

I am afraid; how can I find joy?

I am afraid - in my grief.

I can’t go back - in my grief.

How can I find joy in my grief?

In my grief -

In my grief -

I am afraid.

Afraid - can’t go back, go back.

Find joy - in my grief – find joy?

Go back.