kernel
 
in Illinois
where flatness is pride
we are taught
not to envy creviceness
extremes
ravines and mountains
canyons, cliffs
they are arms legs and mouths—
we are belly.
limbs, lips move, do.
bellies breathe
birth
bear weight.
 
the solidness of our soil makes us stoic
we say
even as the wind whittles
our faces into tree bark
            the envy is there
with reason why we don’t mind the wrinkles
the furrows for our corn—
            they secretly texture
            our hearts.
and skyscraper fingers pushing through solidness
soil
reach for God.

 

1997

s.spachman