NOT JUST A PLATFORM FOR MY DANCE

this land is not

just a place to set my house my car my fence

this land is not

just a plot to bury my dead my seed

this land is

my tongue      my eyes      my mouth

this headstrong grass and relenting willow

these flat-footed fields and applauding leaves

these frank winds and electric sky

are my prayer

they are my medicine

and they become my song

this land is not

just a platform for my dance