52
January/February 2022
POEM
Awe by Matthew Nies
Cliffside, all I could ever see hidden in mist; I diatribe the great air unaware if up or down Holds my feet stone-sure, when rapture lifts A veil to magnificence surpassingly profound. And instantly, universe, glowing stars as at a grasp, Surging past a billion galaxies free-anchored Into constant nothing—ducking, twisting, racing, splash! Into the deep, cave black abyss, adrift despair. Sword Light heaves me dripping to the sun. I am one To infinity’s face, a naturally selected complication In the light of all creation. I am undone. A gentle breeze carries me back to that misted canyon, Where I first faced the ages’ Awe and saw my honor Slanted by eternal height, width, breadth, and depth. I glance and see an unexpected mirror; I hear a whisper: “Of all, you, image-bearing carrier of my breath.”
