For Erika
She walks along the creek as morning dawns,
The woods not fully striped in orange and red,
Her thoughts aside, her steps in fullness drawn,
To witness peace and justice, the truth be said.
Her life, her love, this land that gives abundant
Breath, memories strewn amongst the fallen leaves,
Footsteps whisper secrets most divine—oh, resplendent
Sky. Awake! Every day’s birthday weaves
Humanity’s inward light from outward zones
Of manifold splendor, cherished evolving forms—
Being as one, becoming as many, bones
To narrate and stride across the arc of norms.
She knows this tale from before the word said yes,
This woman of grace, her life shining bright and blessed.