I sat on the ground
next to the fire
toying
with a piece of bark,
bending it,
smoothing it.
The more I touched,
the more pliable it became,
shredding into fibers, strings.
I pulled them tight
to test their strength,
loosening
then tightening,
watching
as they vibrated,
playing.
Always testing their strength,
holding them near the fire,
they didn't burn,
I would look
through the strands
at the flames,
thinking
how magnificent they are
binding one to the other.
I marvel, accepting their nature.