Even in the Dark

why the

hesitation

the slow reaching

even after sunset

when the dogs

are in for the night

and the doors are locked

the rabbits move with

caution in the dark

with tentative wary steps

through the garden

drawn to the moist

soft leaves and stems

that sustain them

pushing behind

by nibble by bite

the memories

of what might

hurt them

what has

hurt them

why the slow

reaching the hesitation

of lips

of hands of hearts

forever fly our fears of the

feathers and talons of owls

touching is  

how we know

we are alive

together