Driving from the city their talk was friendly,
bounded by civility.
As the road writhed further, the bindings uncoiled and their skin shed.
They walked along the ridgeline between east and west.
The fog spilled their laughter in both directions
and their faces were warmed by a rising dawn.
Their words echoed the voice of the wilderness in unison.
Into the ravine branches broke against their bodies,
rock rolled beneath their feet,
their sweat left a fresh scent.
The canopy hid the sunlight
losing them to the forest's shadows.
Finally, they could look each other eye to eye.
"Would you run away right now"
the wolf's eyes glistened.
"Aren't I already here?"
The delicate bird hummed.
Nature has no compass for direction.
The wind howled through the canyon.
They vibrated at the bareness of their souls.
She touched her ring and remembered
she was bound to another home.