1994

In the old oak forest in the hills of Novato, I arrived with a friend and encountered another.

Pregnant for the first time and separated from my lover, I was confused, hurt, and angry – for I wanted no other.

As I and my companion sat down on bench, I confessed my vexation as if tugging on a wrench.

From a swing in the sunlight and in shade under trees, we glanced at the wares by creative imaginings.

At a higher-peaked booth I received the sending: “Be careful right now how you are thinking.”

At envisioned table, they were gathered and debating: a man was convicting, while a woman was advocating.

She gestured to me and my mind’s heart opened, pledging devotion to champion love once spoken

As they faded from view, I chose the pendant from two which represented birth of a new age from skew

I asked my friend for leave as I felt something coming, and when returned to parents home, I caught the phoned message.

As I drove to the hospital through cliff-winding mountains, a bright half moon beckoned while the stars danced in heavens.

I threw my soul into ensuring he would rise to win – and lost our first, my familiar, and the chance we would begin again.