i journeyed to the oracle
beneath the Brine
beyond which nothing remains
and beginnings can be
plucked from the earth
like clovers
like fruit

so i asked,
what now?
barely recognizing
the remnants of my
own voice

what was my great mistake?
which storm sealed my fate?
was it ignorance?
selfishness? hubris?

i must learn the truth
so i can write a map, a warning
to ward the others off this path

the oracle gave a placid nod
and showed me a vision
of a child who
sat, alone, in a dim room

the curtains framed a sunbeam
in which little bright specks of dust
sailed, in that corner of the universe
where time did not abide, and
the hours somehow ran longer

these warm currents, she spoke
let them be your home, and fill your days
with sunlight and forgetfulness

seek warmth, she repeated,
and become perfectly
unmoored