Swollen Ankles

Swollen ankles
feet pressed against muddy ground
eyes fixed on crushed grass roads
towards a balding summit

teeth clenched
thighs sour
sweat filling the pits of a newly washed sweatshirt

You call.

I turn around

Swollen ankles
hidden in soggy sneakers
forgotten in the mud
as I behold
a mist-filled glory
from the valley deep
deep deep
blue
at the feet of rolling gold
sunlight streams through
afternoon drizzles
clouds pale greens and yellows
shades of light grey ochre
sheep sleep stoic
under purple screens

Swollen ankles
climbing a rusty hill
lighter as wind tickles my years
and light tangles in my hair

Fingers skimming dew tipped blades
winking past bewildered sheep
wind whispers promise
as you laugh beside me

Swollen ankles
limply lift
lift higher
higher
body tumbling into open air

headfirst
eyes wide open
Swollen feet forgotten in the mud

headfirst
eyes wide open

We fall into the sky.