The path of love

The Bruce Trail in Hockley Valley, October 2004


How it aches to be human, bridled with reason! Every choice must be weighed, knowledge against the drives of animal emotions. Intelligence is our greatest gift, and yet in doubting instinct altogether we become lost, incapable of action.

Along the pilgrimage we encounter many junctions. Every path, whether rough or easy, beautiful or terrifying, is a journey, a great and continual lesson.

In selecting poems for An Elegant Path, I went far back as possible. The oldest, "I swim beneath stars", was written during the bleak summer of 1995, before my marriage came apart. I peered into the distance, trying to hold onto her who was slipping away. The rest were written after the plunge: acceptance of my true sexuality. "Joining", "Pumpkin me", "Dreamer" and "Bear serenade" represent coming out, and a period of exploration from 1996 to 2000.

Since meeting Danny in 2003 I have been happier than ever. Poems for him are scattered throughout the chapbook. Several new ones were written for it. "Departing the trail" celebrates my current sense of wonder and tenderness.

Now I consider what it means for me to be polyamorous. "The gathering" looks forward to what will become, and what will be written.


And now...

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