As I bring up a glass of water
towards my lips
getting ready to take sip
the magnified proximity
dissolves the glass
and displays a swirling lake
and I imagine the water surging
through opened sluice gates
Into the thirsty landscape
Of my physical being

It’s different with spirits though
a gentle mountain stream
a whiff of mountain winds
a fragrance raw of flowers wild
And a crackling static
from high clouds

sears my throat
and as it reaches deep
burns down layer by layer
every role imposed
that has severely constrained
every awake moment
holding me back
from engaging with people
across the fence
who have been otherwise great

the spirit melts away too
responsibilities, real and imagined
that had shackled my senses
from experiencing beauty
in everyday mundane places
hear them whispers
all they have witnessed

and in the process
releasing from its confines
at least for a while
my soul