[Friend, it's okay]

Friend, it’s okay

to drift. Go

along a muddy path

into a swell clearing. Look hard to see

the old foundation. The weeds are winning.

This was the house of a farmer

who put his still

in the hill. The next farmer’s cows kept falling in the hole.

In any case, you are breathing.

By the time you are handed a bottle

of syrup, it’s the truth.

Feel sorry for yourself, and the trees, the creek,

the two hawks fighting, the whole earth

is indifferent.

Betsy says: In a baffled season, live

the small words.

Sap. Flow.

Even if you have to fight, fly.