The Open Sky
by Codi Hyland
The open sky
Trees surrounding a poppy covered meadow
Staring at some clouds gathered above
Then
Looking into the tree line
Propped up on your elbows
A shadow appears
The presence is warm
Welcoming
Loving
You get up
Move closer
Not even a flicker of fear
The shadow is of a figure
Or so it seemed
His hands are bony and as think as twigs
The aroma he gives off is of the Earth
Dirt, leaves decaying
The ground in which it had recently rained
He speaks
A low rumble of a word
“Come”
He puts his hand out for you to take
Without pause
Your hand clasps within his
A calmness you’ve never felt
Overtaking you
Taking one last glance towards the cloudy sky
Closing your eyes
Inhaling as if for the last time
Recentering yourself
And then together you walk further
Not even looking back
