The condensation on cold exhalation
drifts, lifts
to the ceiling
where it collects
droplets drip
drop
plop
on slick soil floor.

I am a bat in a crack
watching the fluorescent reflection
of blue light from outside glint
on lavarock ice
selfsame as the light the cave swallows
dance and titter in.

There is simply too much heat
and light
and noise
out there.
Within the world is stable and cool and
safe. The ceiling is my
shelter.
Give me some crevice to crawl in.
I want to feel the embrace of the earth.
To live in a place that no one can see-

not even me.