i struggle to count
the stars in the sky
because it hurts to lie
on my back

the earth does not welcome
my spine

nostrils inhale soft dirt
intoxicating
the newness of it
potential
possibility

fingernails grasp at
the permanence

forehead pressed firm
into the dirt
keeping the slugs company
trusting there is still a spin
in the stillness

knowing that my crouched figure
is safely hurtling through
the universe
the stars at my back