Florida Findings

Florida Findings

I smell the sand. 
I see the sand.
But I do not taste
its brine. It exists mixed
in with the ash and dirt,
leaves and twigs. On the forefront
of this surface is the pockmarks
of rain pellets that fell as we
chuckled and wept and slept.

The rustling I hear
undulates. Its crescendoes 
punctuated by aviary chatter and evidenced
by the workings of swaying shadows.

In the shade we discover
the wetness and the cold. Beneath
the sunlight is revealed the crystalline
dimensions of it all. Sparkle and fade.

Even some of the disconnected leaves
are green
although trampled. Even the chill can exist
in the light.

I can furrow my face
at these perceived chaotic churnings
or I can delight. There’s always choice,
although I often refuse to give
myself the space to make the more useful one.

I wonder if these disinterred
roots still grow. Yellowish, mottled, and broken,
do they flail their fractal hairs
to amble toward somewhere more
secure in order to try again for fruit?

Above it all, when viewed without 
distraction, is peacefulness,
is lush lingering
limbs that protect or provide
portent.

_____________________
February 7, 2020
Florida Earthskills Gathering
The Power of Poetry (workshop)
w/ Eric Lewis & Olivia Verhoye