Do Not Salt This Earth

do not salt this earth

i found this place
to lay my head
i found this place
to breathe

raw from winter
with my bones showing
i found this place
where i was healed

sleeping
with my cheek to the ground
with my chest whole

do not salt this earth

she will be my coiled panther
she will pace
and lash her tail
and shield me

she will lay her head
on my chest
soak into my bones
teach me how to breathe

do not bring winter
into this place
do not put anger
in her eyes

do not salt this earth
i thrive in


July 16, 1999
© Lela Kaunitz