WRITTEN BY NICOLE BRAVO
Trudging through muck and mire
Yearning to breathe—freely
A hopeful compass pointing north
A dense fog defeated by gold
Glimmering
Rushing waters, strong and pure
Crashing, spattering wildly
A deadened mind and heart and soul
Jolted to life
Rejuvenating
Savoring scents of dusty paths
Verdant pines transcending
Crackling, smoking, flickering flames
Fragrant drops of dew emerge
Intoxicating
Clambering, running, leaping
Weightless through cerulean skies
And shimmering turquoise waters
Unaware of quivering lips of blue
Unrelenting
Spying out a whale’s head
Peeking from a hidden cove
Sliding down a slippery hill
His secret lair made our own
Alluring
A giant boulder becomes home
Emerald ripples cool and carry
The bronzing sun delights to warm
Time’s suspended, all is present
Captivating
Lifting off on wings of wind
Beyond all shadows and fear
Naked feet dance on breezes
Spirits rise higher still
Soaring
Striving steps over scattered stones
Pressing onward, upward—tiring
Then all stillness, beauty flawless
Creation sings the song within me
Harmonizing
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Vigorous force fiercely flying
O’er the cliff of no return
Step into its power unyielding
Risk repaid with much reward
Freeing
Gliding over sleepy waters
Dusk gives way to dreams
Tranquil blues, purples, pinks
Uniting above and underneath
Enchanting
© 2026 Lauren di Matteo