Before The Feet

I was just a pile of dirt, Nurtured by the rain, Kissed by the sun And home to the ants.

The days, Short or long, Were calm, and the nights Brought with them The cool winds of the stars.

Soon grass grew through me, Seeds sewn by the rain, Blades pierced my surface Rooted deep into my soul. Such intrusion would have outraged me, Centuries ago But times change, My hardness had disappeared And I welcomed life.

Animals came to graze, Their excrements, Disgustingly, Became a part of me. More grass grew More flowers More plants. All beautiful. I was happiest then. I gave life Supported it. I lived more than I ever had done.

Then the feet came.