Is a dead end ever really dead?
At the rooted foot of the turmeric diamond,
A multitude thrives with flourishing growth,
In the weeds, in the dirt, in the rocks, in the sand.
Underneath it all, underneath the stamp
Of human halting, leaf-litter earthworms
Emerge from their lemon-shaped eggs,
Already fully formed amongst the goosegrass.
Eating away at the carcass of earth’s leftovers,
The worm transforms the dead into fertile loam.
In an ironic cycle of revival, at the base of
The yellowed dead end road sign.
Must we always turn around?
Our engine-hearted monstrous beasts,
Cannot persevere, but we can take a step outside,
Emerging from our own metallic chrysalis.
Come forward, the wild weeds beckon.
Come lay with us in the warm smile of the sun.
Come bask in the dallisgrass and dandelion.
Come listen and learn with the earthworms.
Breathing in the whispering windy whistle,
Enjoying the secret song of the swallows,
Feeling the buds begin to peak their flowering heads,
This dead end is abundantly alive.
Author’s Note
This piece is inspired by an urge to persevere and continue in the face of ambiguous obstacles. I hope that readers will be encouraged to stay resilient and appreciate the finer details of life despite larger, more looming, challenges.
About Author
Grace Louie is a sophomore at Binghamton University, studying Marketing with a minor in Art and Design. Grace has always been interested and involved in the arts, and currently works as the head illustrator for the Binghamton Free Press Magazine. Based in New York City, Grace hopes to continue developing her passion for art, and enriching her skills. In her free time, Grace enjoys drawing, writing, singing, and crocheting.
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