The Dichotomy of Edges

The Dichotomy of Edges

and when i walk upon the ridge 

my footstep is uncertain 

the wind is too cool for summer 

and it sweeps up the ridge from the valley below

the valley below the ridge 

where our faces melted in the moonlight 

yours white, mine featureless 

against moonshadow

i felt your fear as we rolled faceless in the grass
i stt on the ridge in sunlight
is it true we must separate ourselves
from day and night?

the edge of night carries in your fear
on a double headed axe
the axe is cutting the edge of our love
our friendship
sever one, can the other survive?

the dicotomy of edges two people two ways
you are the tao of water
you seek your own course down
from the mountain to the valley below 

i am the vessel placed there to collect you
as you tumble downward
you are also the night and the day that freezes
and thaws the water in the vessel

if the vessel breaks, the sharp edges
stressed by night frost
need the day to bring back the water
to wear the edges smooth again

you are the water
you are the day
i walk down the ridge
my step is uncertain 

i am afraid to leave the ridge
the shadows grow taller across the valley
and the wind is too cool for summer
it brings in the fear riding in on the fog.

1979

added 2/2017