I am walking with my firebird friend

and from out of the swamp comes a

tiger

to walk beside us,

as we talk our path

and learn to walk our walk,

from around the corner comes to stalk

a lion

the color of caramel and creme

to help me see the truth of our dream,

and then a spirit of solid white,

eyes glowing bright

footsteps so light as if from vapor, an etheral queen

materializes and thus is seen

she circles twice – 

then disappears into palmettos beside the road –

(telling us what we already know)

 that stories must be told –

and so we commit to tell

stories that heal, and help as well

to each other and to you

wherever you be

we must all tell the stories that help set us free.