As the World Goes Mad

by Kassi Wilson

AS THE WORLD GOES MAD

I retreat to the mountains—

winding narrow roads

that take me 

higher in elevation.

I find a place to camp

near the river

where spruce trees touch the sky.

The night grows colder—

I stack wood and pine needles

to light a fire.

I heat water in a kettle 

and brew chamomile.

Embers smolder,

as sparks 

disperse in the atmosphere. 

Bright stars appear 

in clusters

piercing the darkness.

For the first time

in a long time

I see the starry expanse:

            the beauty of the cosmos,

            utterly close and so alive.

KASSI WILSON

Kassi Wilson is a writer and poet based in Cincinnati. She is a lover of nature walks, books, and black coffee. Author of three poetry collections, Kassi’s most recent published work is with Bottlecap Press.