To the Planet

 

–after Pablo Neruda

 

1.

I have questions

Like a soldier or a boy

 

Since each says goodbye

To the land he loves

 

& it doesn’t matter

Night or day—

 

My questions

Stitched

 

From rising hills…

 

2.

 

How do you clothe yourself

After so many wars?

 

How do you stand

In glass and oil?

 

How do you carry

A rich man’s blade

 

Inside

Your secret places?

 

3.

 

I know

Time

 

Is running out

In your eyes.

 

I know

The sun

 

Cannot save you.

I see you have no share of heaven.

 

4.

 

Foolish to talk in this manner…

To say I tremble

 

In your dense blue air…

To ask things of you…

 

But tell me again

About the ruthless beauty of your blood?

 

 

S.K.