Gravity

Grief lies close to the roots of laughter.
Both love the cabin open to the traveler,
The ocean apple wrapped in its own leaves.
How can I be close to you if I'm not sad?
The animal pads where no one walks.
There is a gladness in the not-caring
Of the bear's cabin; and in the gravity
That makes the stone laugh down the mountain.

Illustration by Blair Thornley