go

The road I am longing to travel
waits silent
in a forest
beside the ocean
close through a narrow city lane
on cobblestones, on cobblestones
my feet clatter.
Ssh, says the ocean,
for I remember you passed me once—
where now
are your feet?

My feet answer
they tell me
(the ocean listens):
Walk again the unforgotten paths
walk anew the paths
that are longing for your tread.
Beside creek, river, ocean
in forest and in town
be tall, walk strong—
go.

Tanya Coburn