On coastal paths before dawn
I’m almost overcome by the urge
to walk into the dark
toward the hiss of surf
collapsing over stones and sand
I’ve walked forest paths on moonless nights
just to be that person who discovers how deep
the dark can be
at home
some nights
I turn off every lamp
and move from room to room
lingering in doorways
or on the stairs
for the sake of stillness
once
on a tour of an abandoned slate mine
my fellow tourists in front and behind me
the tour guide leading
I thought of returning one day
to go alone
into the mountain
