THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

The breeze plants a tender kiss,

A wind rises from within

Carrying along a fluttering heart

Eyes close, an unknown gratitude kicks in

Freedom, Fragility, Fall, Flight,

What does the wind taste like

A myriad of emotions,

twining into this moment of respite

All things restrained crumbling away,

with the gust permeating through me.

My senses unwinding in the fragrance,

of mist, wet earth, winter, spring

The moment passes through like any,

Leaving behind a bracing relief.

In silence, unconditionally loving,

Nature's healing unified with the wind.