Ancient, dark-glistening
Guardians of the Earth
They pulsate far beneath indifferent feet,
Coil, swirl
Deep swimming in the rich brown-black

Until the rains.

Then
Pulled up
Compelled to
Rise to the surface gasping,
Helplessly
Small
Pale, blind
           Writhe between steaming, matted, choking-bright
Grass
As the sun begins its assault

And after,

Fade
To who knows what fates.