Revisionist Poetry – I knew a God…, v6: A meditative version

Before I knew a god there was a river —
its slow patience taught my feet the measure of water.
I moved with that cadence, small and attentive;
the lark’s first song fell into the hollow of listening.

Before I knew a god there was a star,
a patient light that kept no hurry with the dark.
I leaned into the glitter and found, in the last page,
a hush that folded itself like a quiet hand.

Before I knew a god there was a rose,
breathing lessons in how to open.
I turned toward that scent and let fate be the picker;
dew gathered, negligible and perfect at the rim of morning.

Before I knew a god there was a thorn —
sharpness that taught the body to note itself.
Migraine came as a teacher, not a tyrant;
the opening was gentle, the meeting simple: life, finally known.