Purpose

Inspired by LLoyd Hamrol's Log Ramps
Poem by Sage Fairman
How does one find their refuge? What qualifies
as a safe space, as a home away from home? I float,
searching for this place I can call mine. Natural,
close, protecting; as reassuring as a friendly smile. This
place knows my strengths and weaknesses, faults and
achievements, my story. Folding around me like a warm
blanket, my refuge can be a place of celebration and
happiness.
Searching for what is familiar, I approach
cautiously. The sprouting plants prickle against my
legs, as if trying to tell me something. I settle into the
packed ground, allowing the logs to cover me with
shade.
We all grow from the dirt upwards, like black-
berry bushes and ferns, crawling their way to the sky in
hopes of reaching the sun. We all live in greenhouses
that warm our souls to prepare us for the outside
world. Our purpose? To climb the ramp, to celebrate
life, to leave what we find familiar and stow away our
refuge for later.