Steps of silver between toes in the sand
Between the pathway borders
Where Jay sometimes nests
Or where Wolf sometimes waits
Steps of the ancestors set into stone
Leading back and back and back
Into the hidden caves of youth
With Bats that hang like tapestries
Steps upon the labyrinths’ meanderings
Where there is a welcoming of bare feet
Where mice burrow under stones
And Owl sits high waiting for his meal
Steps over steps leading up and down
To floors with rooms meant for wrathful men
And others for envious women
Where their toy pets purr and whimper
Steps between the things in a messy room
The gifts and tortures of grief and sadness
With open windows to let in the breezes
Or to let the smoke get taken away
Steps of silver leading out and away
From the triggers and the pain
Towards the brighter and the more colorful
Into the center where Bear sometimes waits
This is my journey
— Nate Long “Owl”
Pen and ink with digital manipulation.