Beginnings

Gone the flow of blood and life;
no longer ruled by moons and tides
and ever present possibility.

Gone without the noise and confusion
that heralded its arrival.
Then it had announced itself
and swept me away
as it had my mother
and all before
bringing me in
to its mysterious circle
no choice
no bribe
just done,
with the grace of Rome
taking Gaul and Brittany
to make an empire.

Later,
taken as unaware as at the first,
a blessing coursing through me,
growing in me,
taking me, this time with
willing breathlessness,
a loving vessel riding to the
out most bounds of joy!
Twice my luck would hold and
round this curve
taking me where no man, despite desire,
could follow-
a glimpse of such divine intent!

Now, so quietly withdrawn,
no longer in its thrall.
The moon and I,
friends again as in childhood

I am surprised to feel
acceptance,
satisfaction,
a mere nod to melancholy.
Perhaps now
is but the blessing
of one more beginning
with no master now
but my own self
steering a course
no longer guided by the moon,
but, perhaps,
illuminated by the stars.