A Drawing of Breath

Breathing
So simple a task
We do it
Unconsciously

So much is going on
That we can't see
Supporting the miracle of
Life

Hold it in
Let it out
Billions of unseen particles make
A magical wind

Steady or unsteady
Heavy panting
Or light fluttering gasps
To get what we need

A sigh to exhale sadness
A gasp to take in surprise
Vibrations to speak and make song
A puff to douse a candle's flame

Congested on a sick day
Choked by sobs in grief
Controlled by machines and tubing
Creature, for eons, following this fashion

Are we just a hiccup?
A breath of wind
From the wings of
a butterfly's dream?

The snoring of a dragon
Or the ripples of a spilling-over
From the great clouds of war
Clearing to reveal nothing

We hide
And we seek
And all the while
We continue to breathe