Each year that passes
75 billion kilometers of soil
a sacrifice to the sea
you have given of your body
asking little in return
and we have consumed the marrow in your bones
what would the world be without you
I do not dare imagine
you have always been there
quiet, bearing and lush
in your final hour, dust against cheeks and gasp that you are e v e r y t h i n g.
Remembering
as ignorance cuts into the surface
the vast gift given
and the vast gift thrown away
but this is our lesson
and this is your eulogy
so in this moment of grief
I thank you
you are open handed
you are inventive
you are a multitude
I will love you eternally.