snowshoes on stony

i am running on the open
e x p a n s e   o f   t h e   d i v i n e
snowshoes keeping me 
afloat above
inches of crusty snow and icy slush
i am alive

if i stayed hidden in the periphery
         tucked in behind
the tall wall of evergreens
i would only catch a small glimpse of
the open whiteness of Your wide mercies

always trepidation in first steps
onto water frozen in time through wintry depths
can the expanse hold me?
will it keep me  up  or take me  in ?

even as i stumble
and fall on my knees
it’s just me
silence
and a path
of my choosing — I can go anywhere
in the immensity
of You

blood flowing — legs kicking — knees rising
the pulse of life courses through 
my veins — adventure is mine
on this terrain i am 
beholden

a messenger flies overhead 
my feet firmly plant themselves in stunned awe 
majestic white head short yellow beak
soon followed by splash of white tail

wingspan seemingly stretching across 
the horizon above the tree line flight 
path carving liminal space 
where all-encompassing meets 
immediate intimacy

i am running towards this unexpected gift
perched on bare limbs of timber
my speed slows as i approach
my messenger sweeps its head turning 
sharp and quick — body still 
assessing its domain
the great Expanse

snowshoes at rest
heart aglow
i have bounded 
Your bounty with boundaries
You —though— have seen me
shown Yourself
without limit
hosting living beauty
in quiet sanctity 
on that naked tree

Written by Scott Moore
Illustrated by Landon Wideman

Inspired March 2020