Sharpening the Knife

Here we are

Eye to eye

And thirsty

Tenderly testing the waters

Of this deep, crystal clear pool.

But we are no longer young and foolish

We can still hear the sizzle from the last time

We let such enchanting water 

put out our roaring flame.  

We are sweaty and weary

And wear our battle wounds with pride.

We are warriors not unfamiliar to the weight of a sword

We’ve slashed ties and built a fortress

And guarded it fiercely to raise our young.

So we dance carefully around each other

Stealthy and alert

We poke and pry

And make careful notes of each response.

But allow ourselves to be curious 

of the shape taking form in the stone

As we each chip away at deceptions,

mirages, and alluring sleights of hand.

Our machetes drawn, we are determined 

to clear out the briars of our own illusions.

The taste of salt and blood rests soothing on my tongue. 

And we find scars braid stronger where the skin was torn.

So I let my mind sharpen against you 

like a knife against leather

No need anymore for anyone to validate me

Your power feeds my fire.

And your yang gives space for my yin to finally breathe.