carry the dark
carry the dark
across the desert night
devoid of comfort
devoid of life
drag your body
your dry bones
over endless, starless dunes
carry the dark
for it must be borne
though water and rest
only cruel mirages
just beyond reach
still
carry the dark
until finally
emptied out
brought to your knees in the sand
your dust-strangled cry
breaks open the heart of the world
and you are carried
then gently laid
at morning’s doorstep
Jody Reis Johnson is an emerging poet from St. Paul, Minnesota, whose writing comes out of a contemplative practice of silence. Her essays and poetry have appeared in a variety of periodicals including Bearings, Amethyst Review, and Middlebury Magazine. Jody is a retired mental health professional who teaches contemplative practices, facilitates retreats, and provides spiritual guidance to individuals. She enjoys travel, cooking, and surfing with her family during winters in Hawaii.
Amethyst Review 