Pinus virginiana, microstrobilus, beltsville, md

The MinimalI study the lives on a leaf: the littleSleepers, numb nudgers in cold dimensions,Beetles in caves, newts, stone-deaf fishes,Lice tethered to long limp subterranean weeds,Squirmers in bogs,And bacterial creepersWriggling through woundsLike elvers in ponds,Their wan mouths kissing the warm sutures,Cleaning and caressing,Creeping and healing. - Theodore Roethke