Sonnet IX

I look behind me and see the sunsets
and footprints in the paths of places I
have been. I look to the sky at a much
closer distance and see raging, passing

storms. I look ahead of me and see the
sunrise, the smooth sandy paths of places
I have yet to travel and then, out far
ahead of me, the violent coming storms.

But when I look beside me and I see
your gaze and feel your touch and hear your small
quiet, gentle voice, I always sense your mind there

above the present storms around us. That's
when I look within me and find your heart
and dreams and soul becoming part of mine.