put your ear to the earth –
like mother’s cheek against child’s,
this feels so much like home.

even with only a concrete line
dividing you from roaring metal beasts,
there is magic in the insect words,
and lingua ignota between sap and blood;

even with a pall of machine exhalations
drawn close over distant freckles of sun,
the night sky warms and welcomes,
steadfast reminder of life before light.

put your ear to the earth –
like the fit of hand in hand,
this feels so much like home.