totem spirits rise

by Indira Sinton

stark, striking -

timber

spikes

flashes of opaque black and white

- crimson red and soft turquoise

totem spirits rise

on a canvas

of

cathedral skies

and bright sunlight -

glassy streams

and grass

and also great dark conifers

which stand protecting

it’s like a painting i saw once - but now i’m in no gallery

i’m in this scene

this visual cascade

of

hats

beaks

glaring eyes

amphibian arms and legs

i can touch a raven’s wing -

the ecstasy of flight

or press my face to a bear’s broad cheek -

(and hear a whispered roar)

i can behold

myth

       
legend such great legend

so adeptly carved to wood

and then adorned

with

nature’s ink

not by my hand

not with my ink

for i don’t claim to understand

or explain

 these stories

 these family crests or deaths

yet i’m drawn forward - i’m gripped tight

what will happen if i remain

and what if i walk away