#055/100 Mountain

inspired by Sandy Blanc's 'Tree on Mt. Major'

we like how the trees are bent on our way up to the top of the mountain where nothing is ever what it seems. the heartbeat beside me, steps burning soil & rocks, skin peeling off trunks & bare-faced trees waving: 'leave. don't leave.' 

at the far end of an invisible river a tree god is playing drums & the water flows through our feet. crushed shells & bones & hide of a dead hummingbird to fool me. 'in seven days we'll reach our stop & you'll believe what i've told you,' you say.

i turn to look at you. your face is air--it does not exist.