Rooted
Knowing myself dust
I am rooted in earth and lie down there often
feeling kin to country mothers
who eat dirt in secret,
packing soil around the hungry seed.
Old as I am,
I am liable to stretch out on grass any day
to watch the Earth’s view of the sky,
back welded to her sweet stony heartbeat,
all my blood slowing down.
God was wise to teach us
to plough ourselves under, enriching the field.
When that sure day comes,
may my body enjoy its sleep in dust and,
resurrected, say a little sad goodbye
to become at last all star.
Nancy A. Henry
mrseclecticist 