Stand (and More)

by Amrita Skye Blaine (April 2025)

stand
–
little things hide
the subtle gesture
a downward glance
shift away
and I might
miss it
–
read the present
stay close in
don’t scuttle or slide
every movement,
each breath,
informs,
ignites awakening
or grace
–
stand in the face
of fear
pay close attention
don’t be timid
so, we meet again
then walk on

the ordinary magic of days
–
a maple leaf lets
go, drifts
crimson harvest
turning
up, around, under
slow dancing
its way to the ground
–
it touches
shifts, finally rests
a covering of
autumn tones
leisurely layering
one by one
–
fingers beg me
pick it up take
it home,,,,but what is
this ache to own?
leaning on a tree
waiting, watching, two
more leaves sail
twist, land,
relaxing my fingers
I leave it
alone
stroll toward home

moist
–
scent rises from
wet ground….I draw
it in, grateful for damp,
for the earthy
tang tethering me
here to the planet
simple joys
crows converse high
above, squirrels dart
and chatter
each day colors change
and I, entranced,
am willing to bear with
for longer

when I forget
–
that the whole world is holy,
and tighten my circle of concern—
this summer, no monarchs
on the fuchsia, or goldfinch
pecking sunflower, only
half the songbirds I’m used to
and gophers are ruling
–
I need to stroll….note
redwood frond shadows
playing on the fence
riotous bush sage’s spill
of soft purple velour
cedar rosettes dropping
on the patio….glorious
autumn everywhere
and then I remember

Table of Contents

Amrita Skye Blaine develops themes of aging, disability, and spiritual awakening. Her poems have been accepted by Soul-Lit, Braided Way Magazine, New English Review, The Penwood Review, One Art, and many other literary journals. Her poetry collection every riven thing will be released by Finishing Line Press mid-2025. Her collection on aging, strange grace—the ending season is now available on Amazon.

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