Tumbling Back to Earth
janine canan
I remember that journey back into the body,
down corridors occupied by phantoms,
tubes in every orifice rushing air and water
to save your life.
I remember that writhing to be free
as you twist against restraints, and groaning fail;
for once I too could not bear life's pain,
gulped every pill and nearly expired.
And I remember that great surge of Life,
reclaiming me afterward in its dharmic service.
Squirming and grimacing, you still don't understand --
Why am I here? you ask.
Soon you'll remember -- first the guilt,
then the laughter. Turning over,
you resemble one of Rubens' rosy angels
tumbling back to Earth -- and I embrace you.
