Upon the Altar

Today I bring myself.
I bring forth form and substance
-weightiness-
I bring forth solidity
sometimes aching
sometimes free
but nonetheless a filler of the void.

I am this rock.

This rock is me.

I am sturdy
and cracked and broken
sparkling white crystals on the inside
exposed and vulnerable and beautiful.

Formed from dust one day to return.

I place myself in this rock
upon the altar of expectation
of being made new
of transformation and blessing.

And I sing out with exaltation
praise to the creator creating
Thank you for the gift of being
of filling the empty places
with my beauty and my pain.

-Shelby Lucas Slowey