Pull a cap tight over your curls,
step outside and face the day’s
persistent winds.
Pace off pain and weariness;
prepare for an uphill climb.
You will need to pause
where the sidewalk ends;
catch your breath,

Wait. Change of direction.
Turn the corner on doubt;  
Follow the perimeter of the first
open field until you arrive
at the walnut grove.
Mary of the Woods awaits.
A lost ball at the foot
of her weathered statue;
rusted wind chimes
fallen from a nearby limb
make no sound.