A World within A Mind

Leaves gently fall

Tickling my cheeks,

Grazing my hands,

Embracing my bare feet.

Each reflects the internal

–the veins–

As a glimpse of Humanity.

Each reflects the external

–the branches–A

s a glimpse of Nature.

Waters stretch in every visible direction,

So much so that I cannot see

Where they end and where my thoughts begin.

Behind me rests

A single, ancient

Tree

Which feels warm beneath my damp palms.

It has the pulse,

After us, after all.

Tired butterflies float through my fingertips.

Upon touching the water,

They disappear.

Always out of my reach,

Their wings have already

Lost their colour.

Wings, or leaves?

Lines of difference

Dissolve into engraved patterns upon

Clasped hands.

I feel my Heart move,

Slowly…

Suddenly, I realize that I am partially submerged.

Did I sink

Or

Did I rise?

One step at a time,

Toward the blinding light that

Crowds the edge of the azure expanse.

My breath quickens

Until I release the air,

Together.

by GILLIAN XU