Donors

The out-breath of trees

rides through seawater

on the beautiful

biconcavity of cells

traveling in their innocent

round back to my heart

until the needle prick

diverts them into the plastic

bag that dangles at my side

and silently fills

until the lever trips

to interrupt the flow—

which will continue

in the veins of someone

whose name I do not know

but who breathes

the same sweet air as I—

gift of anonymous donors,

the narrow veins,

the tiny silent mouths,

the myriad leaves.

          EarthSpeak 7, June 2011