The Bridge Poem by Eric Cockrell

i stared across the bridge,
lantern held high...
searching the trees and
the shadows for a sign.

the surging river below
made my heart stamp its feet;
the wind blew, almost moaned,
the bridge groaned as it swayed.

taking off my boots,
i crossed barefooted and sure.
looking down, i could not see rocks,
but i knew they were there...

on the other side the damp dirt
felt good to my feet...
i followed the path down,
ever down... a wolf howled!

i came to a clearing,
made out the form of your hut...
dark and still, almost a womb.
i made my way to the door,

my trembling hand on the knob...
unlocked, the door opened.
staring around the darkened room,
nothing moved, only a lone candle

on the table beside the bed.
i could feel the stare
of your hungry eyes...
heard you whisper, 'come here! '

a thousand battles,
and journeys untold,
forgotten in the warmth
of your flesh...

new stars formed
in a limitless sky,
fell and shattered
as we loved!

the groan of the earth,
the moan of the wind,
the fury of storms unleashed.
holding back, holding back,

till there was no return...
dissolving into the fire
of your pulsing depths...
and all of life, finished!

with the morning light,
i found myself alone...
got up and dressed
with the ache and the taste...

as i left the hut,
i turned to see the owl...
set my chin, braced my mind,
and walked to face the coming snow!