Empire Within

Stand still

Heart inhales, spirit exhales

Repeat

Allow your body to drink, soak, sink in this moment

You are standing at an overlook in the mountains

Leaves turning remarkable shades of autumn

Breeze whispering across frost, up, into an unspeaking sky

Fragrant firewood lingers in the atmosphere encompassing you

It is on your clothes and in your eyes

The real and the extended metaphor

You are at a resting place amidst a tumultuous journey that is far from finished

It has taken you across the country

Away from family

Alone

Uncertain

Self-doubting

Anxious

Afraid

But here you are

A resting place

Return at any time

You are an empire all your own