Pathfinder

You learn to take a little bit
extra on the in-breath
just in case you come up short
when heartbreak comes.

You learn to lean a little
less than most, just enough
to catch yourself and keep a balance
should you start to fall toward the abyss.

You learn to love a little
more intensly should life
send grief to poke you in the eye
and a golden momment pass unseen.

You learn to speak the language
of the heart more clearly
to the ones you love just because
there's so many ways the nihgt can come
and stop you in your tracks,

so many ways the boot
can crush the rose.

Marilyn Houston