1963

Kelly O’Brien, age 17

Here you dig deep
Into the endless, ancient ground.
Feel that dirt stain your hands
With who you are.
It shapes you, shakes you;
Leaves you surrendered and silent,
Timeless, sightless, bloodless.
Consume what consumes you.
These are the roots of your bloom.
Let it open in the dawn,
Drenched by the day.
Remember that,
As it bruises you with home.
This is the source of your becoming.