Lost

By David Wagoner

Photo by Chris Linebarger
Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.

I Am

By Chris Linebarger

Photo by Leslie Linebarger

Who am I without shame?
Who am I without self-loathing?
Who am I without rage?
Who am I without terror?
Who am I without sin?
Who am I without a savior?
Who am I without an enemy?
Who am I without a tribe?
Who am I without validation?
Who am I without productivity?
Who am I without cash?
Who am I without products?
Who am I without the beauty of youth?
Who am I alone?
Who am I?