Space

Not space "up there,"
but the space down here on earth
hidden deep in people;

the same frontier
that has been explored, developed
and may be sold
most often to the lowest bidder;

but still leaves room
for a person to walk with others
and remain alone
where spirit of man may stroll free

to commune with bears, wolves, buffaloes
that also share
with man this earth’s dominion;

to walk mile after mile without tears
in a space of grass
is to know the intelligence of prairies;

or a mountain climb
that is both outside and inside us,
so steep knees tremble
when it comes to coming back down;

and, of course, find streams
and lakes where the spirit may kneel
and drink in freedom,

or in mountain meadows lie down
on a bed of flowers
to sleep for hours in a single;
a refreshing sleep.

This is that wilderness inside
where fugitives may hidden be from sight,
can find ready rest
in a protected corner from life

and a space that stretches forever.
There skies are blue; 
where to tired eyes is applied
the salve of peace and in sight;

where, still alive, we see,
touch, taste and smell true freedom,
to be truly free;
no whispers, no cat-calls, no judgement;
only quiet breeze.