We leave our notions
of ourselves, our lives,
splayed and empty
like abandoned puppets
(How is it possible
we thought they were alive?)

We start inhabiting
(with this expansive breathing
and each breath’s surprise)
the place in the dynamic
cause and effect,
impulse and follow-through
where all we fiercely hoped we’d be
is, indeed, ourselves

And the command we wield
of our existence
brings dazzling forms,
eternal, iridescent,
into view.

©Wendy Mulhern
March 4, 2015