in-between

at times we find ourselves
in a barren landscape empty
due to fire betrayal or loss

when I was younger I’d sit
there my skin burning by day
curled body shivering at night

I did not yet recognize it as
the space in-between what
used to be and what would be

these days I walk on through
sometimes slowly other times
stepping more purposefully

I welcome the winds blowing
through me clearing out residue
making space for what comes next

Cinse Bonino
2023