All drains lead to the sea
The iris in its exigency strives only
to flower. These things are of a marshy sort
and a far way from any Africa.
How did I think I could serve? This soil
is bereft, with only mocking water
below, so catacombed in chalk.
There have been people lately diving to chart
the aquifer. The support staff shadows above ground,
beacon squealing as those below veer in and out of range,
bushwhacking through swales,
through supermarkets,
knocking on residences.
Would they know, from a slow contrary course,
of the intrepid demise and follow to the output
—“all drains lead to the sea”—after losing one on the mic?
Here is only silt. Precambria stress testing the botany.
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Author's Note
My thanks to MadHat Lit for including this poem in their annual review, Issue 15, "Eye on the World."
A gardener knows about transplant stress, but what happens when the gardener is transplanted? This piece comes from that question, but also from the fascinating hydrology of south Florida - and how close we are to the aquifer without being aware of it running under our feet. The documentary "The Hidden Rivers of Florida" helped fuel that fascination. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAYNGdestI0
Good writing -
"The support staff shadows above ground,
beacon squealing as those below veer in and out of range,
bushwhacking through swales,
through supermarkets,
knocking on residences."
A haunting poem. "Here is only silt." Strong work.
Smart poem, Sara. *
Sam and Joani, thank you.
Oh, I remember this. Great work, Sara. *
I love the sounds in this very good poem. "The iris in its exigency strives only / to flower." That's a killer beginning. "Here is only silt. Precambria stress testing the botany." Killer ending too! Nice work.
*
(It would be a fun exercise to see if the poem could begin with its last line and work toward that first sentence.)
Hi Mark! Thanks for reading again and for your kind comments.
Bill, I am working hard on sounds recently. Or, to be honest, I've been working, but not so much on writing. But since you've suggested an exercise, I feel accountable! I appreciate your reading and your comments.
I'm glad I stumbled upon this one. Great poem and one that leaves you wondering.