Nightfall

At night I live
a different life,
roaming through forgotten
streets of my childhood,
stubbing my toes
on the cornerstone of my parents’ house.
I lie in the arms of my first love
wanting what we never finished.
In Spain I dance on a table
to the clapping of hands,
the flame of my red skirt
reaching higher and higher
caressing my long beautiful legs.
I set the table for a husband
who is never there.
My cats come to visit
from under the willow tree,
Sammy laying an offering
of butterflies at my feet.
I swim in the deep waters of dreams
searching for treasures
buried under the silt of time.
I stand on the roof of my house,
open my arms like silver wings
and fly across countries and time
to the temple in the lake
where our love began so long ago.
I walk through the valley of inquiry
and let insight
light my way up the dark mountain
where I find my Self
kneeling at the cave of my ancestors
welcoming the sunrise
of the new day.