I traded seagulls and the ocean for ravens and the high desert sky

I traded people and the city for the life of a recluse in the wilderness

It took three years of wandering in the hills of introspection to wash away a lifetime of fears

Almost half a century held captive by fear

It took another three years to trade anger for compassion, sorrow for joy and the intellect for the intuitive

And it took another three years to end reification and set myself free from me.

Nine years facing the wall of solitude.

Because I knew if I didn’t take the time I’d forfeit the rhythm in simply being.