who

Whoever went in

naked to the core.

Whoever cast aside

all the armor.

all the fastenings.

Who could breathe air thin as flame.

Drink water pressed from blossoms,

rose petals

or violets.

Whoever stayed in that

darkness so dark

it became a circle of seeing.

Who could hear

the silent flute note

of the stilled wind,

hold rock turning to light.

~ Dorothy Walters

from Marrow of Flame