beneath
the rock-choke
sun-scald
panned soil
immobile even
to the unsprung
coil of flesh
gloved in 
diamonds
round
& round
it curls upon
itself
                           ready
to stretch

surprise
once the
separate
paralysis 
of each
smooth
muscles
releases
& the sleeping
winter of death
is escaped
once
hunger greets
the gentle
mouth 
easing 
open.
Does the 
brittle 
air
once-green
leaves
that fold
themselves
like hands
in prayer
know
fear?