in tents

in tent,
there’s intention here.
the little tent,
actually quite significant,
intense, you could say.

in tent,
there’s purpose here,
for this portable vestibule.
intention in design, assembly, and use.
demands of life’s journey
requiring this potent space.
silly to refuse this refuge.

spread the cords,
fix the stakes,
rise the frame,
cover and shield,
it is here,
where we must yield.

this tent,
this material, this fabric, this skin,
prevents all that’s without
from penetrating within.
a completely different ecosystem.
contains an internal flame,
a burning away,
fragrant, this holy den.

i can still sense what’s out there,
rustles and cracks,
rain and thunder claps.
but something about this thin boundary,
takes the edge off my worry.

the sky dims,
camp darkens,
yet we find more light deeper in.
not seen,
but fully enveloped.
not hiding from,
but hidden within.
sheltered, protected, abiding.
in this sacred tent.

to some a stop in progress,
to us some sort of summit.
for the invitation now
must be to retreat within.
a holy ascent,
an invitation to begin fresh again.
out of which we journey beyond.
new safety with the morning,
see eastern light rising.
sweetness here,
all together surprising.

it’s not just protection,
although that’s true.
it’s not just shelter,
although that’s true.
it’s not just warmth,
although that’s true.
it’s not just refreshing, reviving, redeeming,
although that’s true.
in here i know you,
and you know me,
it’s intense,
the deepest true.