I stand in the sting of my misstep
as it rings through me,
an orienting of straight lines
like rain I could stand in,
like rays of light at my periphery

My dream warned me of this,
and I knew what it meant,
but I didn’t summon the strength
to stand up with it,
didn’t make the effort
to change my course

So now, what is left
is my contrition
and my willingness
to transcend all these frames
and seek a surer guidance
for my feet.

©Wendy Mulhern
May 20, 2021