{Eternity's End}

From a 2020, 24 hour Poetry Marathon that I participated in. I wrote one poem each hour for 24 hours straight. This was the prompt for my poem, 'Eternity's End': In her wonderful book Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer writes — ‘In some Native languages the term for plants translates to “those who take care of us.’ Use any part of this quote (with credit), or the ideas it contains as a jumping off point for your poem this hour.“

The land knows you, even when you are lost.”

I close my eyes and you’re there

Vast and immense, a constant presence stretching to eternity

When I feel lost or troubled, I reach for you

Your solidity is edifying, I am grounded and whole again

I open my eyes and you’re in that transition between ephemera and eternal

between void and fullness, where there is not knowing.

The trees and plants sing me into their wholeness, cradling me with beauty

They bear witness to the passing years, offering majesty and reverence

I take a leaf out of their book, seeking equanimity and flow.

Seeking to live within the natural laws of a land who harbours deep intelligence.

I look to the horizon vast and wide as an ethereal sky lingers over the canopy.

For you my love I will stand on the precipice, soul laid bare, arms outstretched,

resolute, waiting for you, seeking solace in your treasure trove of wonders.

I will return to you where the essence of your ancient heart imbues me with love.

I will return to you when I am no longer breathing.

I will return to you until eternity's end.

Ajanta Judd, Photo and Words: Poem 2020; Photo 2022

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