She’s kneeling down
in an empty barren field
Nothing to shield her now
from the approaching storm
Her dirt caked hands
eager to feel warmth
pulling at heavy stones
She’s digging deeper
Cautiously she
slips a bare foot
into the void
Startled by the
Heavy truth
Curling five toes
then five more
Locking them
Becoming the anchor
of her own roots
Crouching down again
knowing nothing of
what might happen
She stands up slowly
Aching for an answer
Lifting her long arms
like growing branches
Stretching ten long fingers
as far as they can reach
Palms once empty
now heavy with rain
She stares straight ahead
Her roots are taking
Breaking earth to
see beyond today
Letting go of yesterday
Her eyes set on the horizon
Gretchen Leary 2013
Gretchen Leary (McIntire) 
I love this part :
Becoming an anchor
Of her own roots
Also the hope at the end as her eyes are set on the horizon ~
Good to see you Gretchen ~
Good to see you too Grace!
nice…there is something to be said of trusting enough to let the toes take root…and you dont know the future any more than any of us…but you face it…nice verse ma’am…good to see you.
Good to see you again too Brian! 🙂
This has such a tactile quality.
I can relate to this! Great imagery throughout this piece. Love the metaphors and the hopefulness at the end as well. 🙂
I can picture her, Gretchen, kneeling in the fields………
I tree the tree imagery of root soil and branches, how that can give us security at times of loss… I really like how you write your tight and concise…
Thank you it’s new for me 🙂
Hi Gretchen! Saw your comment on Audrey’s site and came over to offer some virtual love and encouragement. Looks like your muse is back 🙂 Wonderful imagery and sensual too. Maybe because I have a secret fantasy of digging my toes into the earth and growing roots. Love this! 🙂
As has been said, this is a very tactile poem, rich with imagery.
Words alive with courage and promise Gretchen – may she continue to grow.
Anna :o]
Gretchen, taking a break from the move, leeching off the WiFi cafe computer to check in on some faves, that includes you.
You are reallly strrrrrrretching yourself, girl. The roots in this poem, metaphorical, yet so realistic, you know? Like the girl has dirt on her feet… or is it dust she’s gonna kick off her heels someday? As I’m planning a garden, will be thinking of this poem, and you.
Back online Friday. Love, Amy