The Heavens Like a Painted Wall

The heavens like a painted wall
Kept me by the yellow trees
Leaves carry in the sightless breeze
But I am kept in place

My squinting cannot see the blue
Not all the blue, not all the clouds
Nor can my ears hear the sounds
Of all of what's above

My heart beats downward
My lungs can't keep
My ears strain
My eyes shut

At last I sit, uneven earth
Contrasts the polished sky
I lean my back—a silent sigh—
Humbly cradled by an aspen

To my surprise my sigh was heard
And then was kindly answered
The leaves chimed in with laughter
With the words: "You're fine to stay."

The wonder caused my eyes to open
And looking, seeing—rich, green incline
The lighted trees gladly shine
But do not burn my eyes

And, catching my attention,
I slowly opened my ears
The yellows begged for me to hear
"Let go and listen. Listen!"

"Listen to my green sons the leaves!
Listen to the black soil my husband!
Listen to my golden daughters and me
Let go and listen. Listen!"