Under the Grass

Under the Grass by Donald Wandrei
(After a pen-and-ink drawing by Howard Wandrei)

Secret the roots that enter the ground,
Secret the winds that hollowly pass
Through them and over them – what shall be found
Under the grass?

Deep stems twining around the mandrake,
Pebbles and beetles and layers of earth,
And incubi avidly waiting to take
The blood’s full worth.

Long are the roots that enter the soil
And twist their sinuous downward course -
What shall reward the delver’s toil
When he finds their source?

A cool dark pillow, a comforting bed,
Or the open arms, or the eyes of glass;
And a pebble necklace around his head
Under the grass.