There is a crying

There is a crying
that happens at night
that does not come
while the light is with us.

There are things that cannot be evaded,
once the sun goes down
small nocturnal creatures
with sharp white teeth
silently gnaw
at the edges of belly and heart.

When the darkness descends
and the void inside grows larger
it can split you open.

And the bone in the centre of your chest
aches
like the cracked wishing bone from the turkey breast.

And if we are strong enough to be weak enough
we are given a wound that never heals
it is the gift that keeps the heart open.

Oriah Mountain Dreamer © 1995