Swaziland’s Lion Cave gave hematite
while Neanderthals carved flint for weapons
in Hungary. Green swirls of malachite
enthralled ancient Egyptians. Here, upon
Lake Superior’s prehistoric shores,
underground chambers yielded copper, base
for tools and arrowheads. Now I explore
your body’s rare ore as fingertips trace
rich veins of your limbs. Lips and tongue measure
your seams, moist walls of your mouth, its warm breath
inviting exploitation of treasure
in your loin’s shaft, tender edge and depth
bare beneath our bed sheets. How we exclaim
in delight, feeling our dear earth reclaimed.
Roger Armbrust
August 9, 2007
