Written August 8, 2020

the explorer
steps lightly
on the soul
of the earth
looking 
for sacred marvels
to collect 
from its skin

sprigs of silver
gather 
on the belly 
of a cave
shards of crystal
hang from rocks
polished 
by the breath
of clouds

the explorer
weighs rubies
against the
soft shingled
throat of the
hummingbird
and chooses 
flight

Hummingbird © Safira Schiowitz