“Hold Me, Earth”

A poem by Anastasia Babusenko

Hold Me, Earth

I’m begging you with my whole heart

Wrap me around with your cold air

Hold me, Earth

Like a volcano I will spit my sins

Hold me, Earth

I’ll run to you until my bare heels are bloody

My slanting eyes, are shedding sharp tears

Upon your dry hands

They are scratching my cheeks with their salt

Hold me, Earth

I’ll grow up

I’ll hand it

Hold me, Earth

Oh, give me strength