The Earth is rising up into the sky

spinning, howling, whistling, sandblasting,

snapping branches that have not yet learned to bend,

rattling nests, battering birds,

desiccating what it what is already dry from drought,

obscuring the mountains surrounding us

and generating crazy-making static.

Earth on the wind finds fire,

screams life into the blaze,

belches it up and funnels it skyward,

spiraling with voracious hunger,

disdainful and capricious,

devouring houses, cars, conveniences,

uprooting us like a tumbleweed diaspora,

showing us who’s boss.

Earth on the wind brings change

whether you like it or not.

Stiffen your spine and refuse to bend

and you will snap and fall to the ground.