WHY I WALK THE PRAIRIE

No need to know the names
of grasses, the wildflowers.
It's enough that white bones
grow on this rain-rich prairie,
that redtail hawks land and clutch
the earth like beloved prey.

A new hatch of grasshoppers --
so much to eat. This curly green robe
will keep me warm someday
when I lay beneath it and sprout
new bones of my own.

I am learning from my dogs
the futility of chasing jack rabbits.
I peer into fresh cow pies,
identify undigested seeds.
I walk across the prairie
because my life 
may depend 
on it.


© 2004 by Richard W. Todd

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