A metaphor for saving a marriage

Rock for a Foundation

Arriving in the canyon at dawn,

we crept over huge heaps of stone

fallen from steep walls

until we reached a place

where boulders were broken into chunks

we could carry.

We lugged rocks one by one

to our truck, stacked a pallet

with a ton of heavy dark stone.

Backs aching, we returned

again and again

to the source,

brows gleaming with sweat

in coppery afternoon light –

before we stopped –

short of what was needed,

our arms sore and shaky,

afraid to make the final trip,

afraid we would be caught

at night in the abyss.

At dusk we stood

in the canyon entrance

measuring the distance,

knowing we would never

have enough, but ready

to take this load home

and try.