Subterranean-Obligate Bat
Jeanette Beebe
this here is sacred ground
this here left open
an empty mine shaft
explosives intact
like wool
that stays standing in the shape
of the animal it grew on
made / born
then shorn
for some use beyond
ductile like gold
strong when torn
pulled apart & formed
hidden
& passed through
the world evolved whole
then slowly
a cue
flying over a gravel road at night
thrown
into an atmosphere of dust
joining
following
The science inspiring the piece:
Bats of Western Abandoned Mines via Bat Conservation International
Listen to Jeanette read the poem:
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