Boy

 

Two small feet in scuffed tennis shoes descend

into the damp basement of a two story

house immersed in a roiling sea of black weather.

 

The boy drops onto sturdy wooden planks,

Step by step--

until the cement floor rises to meet him

alone.

 

Strange feelings in his belly suddenly present.

So soothing here within this quiet.

 

Somehow only when by himself does this vague mist fall

unpredictably, subtly onto his lap, gently entering

the short body to meet an emptiness,

 

Step by step---

 

he had not known was there.

 

How does he know to welcome this astonishing

surprise, like the night his dream’s flying seahorses--

speechless and soundless, arrived from a faraway sky?

 

Step by step---

like a wild stallion and chestnut mare

together asleep under a sprawling

mesquite in summer afternoon’s full flame.

 

Becoming aware of ripening, or the exact

uncertain moment conception….

 

Step by step---

 

mysteriously happens,,