Being, in Love by Lindsey Beatrice
i go camping
to escape the cacophony of human existence
to watch the way
the fire sputters out it’s words
and hear the birds’ song
while water rushes over
rocks, loudly cheering
the whole way down the mountain
to become hypnotized by
breath lingering over
the embers as they slowly
grow to flames
to see crystals and rocks casting rainbows
along snowmelt paths and river beds,
so vibrantly alive in their patient glory
as grasses wave hello to the wildflowers
tipping their faces to worship the sun
i go camping
to escape the cacophony of human existence
i wake up to light rising from behind
mountains and the dawn chorus and
peel myself out to go sit, basking and
tipping my face in solidarity with the flowers
i cede to the urge to take off my layers
because 40 degrees feels warmer
when you’re mimicking icarus, barefoot
salutations from a mile or two closer
though relatively, i’m an ant atop a tree
i close my eyes until it’s too bright
i have to look away
marveling at how blue tinted the world is
after the inside of your eyelids has been
burned hot pink by the sun
i go to feel euphoria, dunking my body
in rushing mountain streams, noticing
the way my skin tingles with aliveness
my breath catches in a laugh
and my hair curls in joyful tendrils
i go camping
to escape the cacophony of human existence
and instead, exist in presence as
the trees bend to the wind, branches
asymmetrical from mountain storms,
witnessing how they hold their fallen comrades
so tenderly in dying arms
and instead, be entertained by
a different expression of light —
the moon rising over mountain ridges
staring into her eyes as she
shines a spotlight on my soul
and instead, at dinner be aware of
the horizon turning a vibrant cerulean
as indigo bleeds to onyx
and stars emerge same as an
almost unnoticeable crescendo of fireflies
and instead, be attuned to the way
my soul feels when Being, in Love
Lindsey Beatrice is a writer, advocate, garden coach, and so much more. She's been writing poetry in her own style for nearly 5 years, and also freelances writing articles about sustainability and agriculture. Her goal in life is to help us heal our relationship through the Earth - through art, inspiration, collective action, and creating gardens that give back to the land in reciprocity. Follow her on Substack (Lindsey Beatrice) or learn about her garden offerings on MeantToBea.com.
