Fiery breath roils through mantle bronchi
Flares forth from volcanic vents
Seamed between scales of shale
Into troposphere lungs, which are sky
Flora and fauna the intricate web
Of capillary
A delicate matrix, venule and arteriole
Mating to pass molecular necessities
From one organ to the next
From the dense liver that is land
The massive seven-lobed filter
Swollen with blood and bile
To the estuarine inlets of kidney
Loops of salt gradient and chemical pump
And pulsing tides, heartbeat wrung by the moon
To the alimentary marshes
Where everything rots and is passed
Down the vital chain, back into earth
Subducted deep underground
As one plate heaves its bulk atop another
In a colossal copulation that seeds nothing
But is felt by the unrenewable ones
The wingless ones who crave
Solace and brilliance and ecstasy
A brief moment in Gaia’s hungry mind
To glimpse her ancient memories
Before time passes down the vital chain
Beautiful writing, and a great picture. 🙂
Thank you!
Beautiful words and beautiful image. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Took my breath away, Rae! What a rare glimpse of Gaia – thank you for this.
A very powerful metaphor, and an interesting perspective. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Thank you! I loved your recent bee photos!
Very strong and intricate writing, reflecting Gaia herself. That last stanza is so excellent!
Thank you! This poem was fun to write, once I decided where and how to start.