the dark fertile soil
cool to the touch
and somewhat soothing
it runs through my fingers
and returns where it came

i plant my bare feet firmily
into the dark dirt
and i close my eyes
and i envision
a safe place to land
to cradle me
from the many twists
and the many turns
of the planet earth

the starting of all that is natural
a place to plant a seed
a place to secure one's roots
a place of growth
the cool sweet ground
from which the high trees grow
and the colors
all the colors of the flowers
plants, even rocks
you have made this all possible

and thus i salute you mother earth
by doing my very best
to work with you
and not against
to help you become
the most beautiful and radiant earth
that you can ever possibly be

i plant myself firmly
within your fertile soil
and i watch
as we all
learn to grow.