her mind expanding beyond its own
boundaries places I can't share
the room the soft fall of light and I
snapped out I stroke her cheek and go
the ferry heaves into its course on deck
I reach out into the lake's
darkness sense before I see
the lone grey heron standing sentinel
I won't return from my shore
I look back though the other side
almost tangible the walls
of the hospital burning behind cypresses
dogs barking children how across water
distance seems to shrink how
it would amplify her call
FIRE 22, p 94; Catherine Hales