Along A Path Of Orchids

This poem was inspired by the Georgia O'Keefe painting "Jack In The Pulpit IV".

I met a stranger
Along a path of orchids.
She drew back her hood
To reveal
Nothing
But a solitary blue candle
Breathing
A white flame.

She spoke to me,
Like a thought,
And drew me
Into her.

What lies beyond
Her abyss?

I reach to touch
The unknown
And find
But a wall,
Fragile and trembling.

My greatest fears have come true.