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Three Steps Backward

Standing at the edge of the

ocean

On unforgiving cold wet

sand

Running shoes and socks

Keeping me warm and dry

I watch the waves roll in.

Depth majesty power

Unfolding

Before my eyes.

This wave draws nearer 

than the others

Then recedes silently

Drawn back

Into the great swelling

primal force of creation.

I stand at the water's edge

Listening to the rhythm 

of the waves

In awe of the color

of this moment in life.

Now a new wave rises up

Then breaks

beckoningly

stealthily

sliding toward

my feet.

Instinctively

I take three steps backward.

Still I stand

waiting

looking forward

focused on the extraordinary

breath of creation.

Now another wave comes

even closer than the other.

Closer to my shoes.

I take three steps backward

yet again.

At my feet

the shattered remnants of

an illusion of 

comprehension.

Three steps backward.

Perhaps in reality

three steps forward.

(December, 31, 2017)

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