CALL ME BELOVED

exaltation! shoveling snow, reveling in muscles and effort –
together we moved mountains in the driveway.
the sun rose over the roof tops, salmon-gray clouds
and bursting light, blue skies – I ached with satisfaction.

it was the same feeling in the gym, fog in the steam room
so thick I couldn’t see the door, sweat running
and deep breaths, purify, purify – I emptied my mind –
simplify, simplify.