If your animal rhythm is faltering,

light the flame.

Light the flame at the altar.

Allow Her pulse to fish swim and bloom

back into skin, through muscle,

through lung;

that fur rises, ripples, musky and thick.

She contours your breath when breathing

can be forgotten.

Light the flame

sit

sniff;

Her rhythm returns to guide

along paths stony, unmarked

and yours,

to wander and learn

alone.