Earth

Rachel F. Kowaleski

Barefoot in the cool black mud, running to feel something real

Underneath my feet-

My toes squish, surrounded by wet earth-

Spreading them, ruining my comfort.

Quick to the dirt, face down in the earth, I fall

My fists clench the ground- it feels good- I am surprised.

Surrounded by a smell of leather horses, natural and rugged.

I hold nature in my hands- I release it just the same.

I see a green frog sitting alone in front of me-

Observing me with his wet, bulging, blinking eyes

I see a red flower thrusting out of the earth, which hugs the

Flower's throat of thorns.

Disregarding the dirt, I see that the flower is more beautiful to

The eye.

Disregarding the sharp rocks which cut my throat,

Making me bleed red instead of blue,

I remember that finer pleasures are simply more appealing.

The frog hops over, tough and unafraid of me

I kiss the ground and taste what's real... but even still,

I grab at the flower and steal it from its home-

I'll give it a new one-- one which fits my lifestyle.

Disregarding the earth, I remember that finer pleasures are

Simply more appealing.

~Rachel F. Kowaleski