Answering the Call
— Monica Kezar —
Every other day I have a little conversation with
myself as I hike up Turtleback Mountain.
Every other day I study the differences from season
to season.
Every other day I listen for the call.
The call comes from high above the trailside
Douglas fir.
The harsh squawk an alien disturbance refocusing
my inner self.
The creature soaring beyond my sight, concealing
his abiding presence.
The sky blanketing these islands with its distant
blue emptiness.
Every other day I feel it.
I feel the urge rising in my throat like a
restless volcano.
I feel the urge like an impostor about to intrude
upon an unrecognizable universe.
I feel, but, fear, the need to answer the call
Then I do.
