From Eden
–For Madelynn
Freckled amber light slithers
through foliage, grazing
the water’s crest at my side.
Sodden rocks below
surmountable yet shifting.
A rope hangs for ease, tail end
of a slip knot traces the fall’s
side. Beside its base you appear
as if conjured from bedrock.
Unsteady steps scaled with
sure feet. The binding line
forgotten, calloused fingers
scrape slate’s edge,
determined,
unceasing.
Your climb rivered in
three; companion, love, or a
blurred mourning of the pair.
I watch your leisured assent,
centered on certainty as a honeyed
glow embraces your resolution.
Green eyes of moss speckled
stone reach the summit, hand
outstretched.
I edge closer to the drop,
falling with my feet planted,
into your familiar arms.
Sara Wilkins was the production assistant of issues 12.1 and 12.2 alongside the brilliant managing editors Lili Gourley and Jess Marinaro. Sara’s work has appeared in The Blue Route. Her poem in this issue ends her hiatus from writing since graduating in 2024. Through her writing pause, all feedback, edits to web pages, or poor grammar jumping at her from a page remind her of Rachel and Allison. She is forever grateful to have experienced Gandy Dancer, which has inspired her to write again.