Terrestrial Rite

TERRESTRIAL RITE

Her terrestrial rite
nourished on decay
transforms seed
holy in loam

Her root memory
labors into light
obedient to the sun

The mystery

Quiet greens'
showy celebration
volunteers dusted stamens'
charmed fragrance

She understands
swollen pods drying
dropping seeds
on the solar journey

I understand
beauty and sorrow.
                -Paul J Stankard