earthworm - Sandy Eastoak

[Larry Robinson]

earthworm


they intertwine our loving with our death,
these earthworms mating with both sides of love.
a gentle rain has coaxed them here above
their buried realm. they squirm in pungent breath
of earthen, dark decay. they take their time.
they hold affection long as if too sweet 
to rush. when their endearment is complete,
i blush to see them ease through leaf and grime—
it’s not for science that i watch, but joy.
these wizards of fertility for dirt
are connoisseurs of sex as well as rot.
while mending blessed humus we destroy,
they might become a meal for snake or bird
and teach profound acceptance of our lot.

	- Sandy Eastoak