FINISH HOLD - #21 < FEBRUARY/MARCH 2008 - Chalkcloud

By Craig Harkema

Chalkcloud of thoughts
Irregular breathing beating against
The heart expanding

Gripping the palms
Fist of energy released like flicking
Water to dry ground

Squeeze the mind
The tension pushing out
Worry and wish

While sweat pellets reflect
Blue-grey
The sky and rock unified in mirror

As chalked fingertips
Ground white magnesium carbonate
Consume the body’s watery origin 

The first touch on stone
Carefully sensitive
Conserves the energy for this tactile task

One final exhale
Brings all points off
Affixing them to the overhanging weight of the earth

The death of contemplation  
Carries the birth of the body
Pulling toward the summit 

And once topped out
The fire stolen hidden
And passed to a brother

Cannot be otherwise