Published in Paperbound Magazine, Issue 14, Spring/Summer 2024

I Befriended the Wind

I befriended the wind today.

For so long I loathed
or tolerated her—
hat pulled low, jacket zipped high,
grumbling beneath my breath
that she is a nuisance:

inflamer of skin,
splitter of lips
blow-hard of dust and hair
and chill into my bones.

But today,
needing a fresh start,
I let the wind fill my lungs,
and upon being welcomed, she revealed
that she is an artist:

composer of chime songs,
mover of clouds,
painter of the brilliant blue sky,
choreographer of shadows dancing
on the sidewalk,
playmate to the happy ghost
on the tree-swing,
alchemist of an airborne perfume
with top notes of rose and sage,
heart notes of eucalyptus and jasmine,
base notes of bark and soil.

The wind is an artist,
and I needed a friend.

So she cooled the tears on my face,
spoke to me gently, then firmly,
blew away my inertia, my fear.
She inspired me with her magic,
and I thanked her for her generosity
as a good friend does.

Copyright (©) Stacey Ramirez 2024