The Earth Hums

The earth hums,

and scientists can’t explain it--

the high decibel keening,

a planet’s symphonic singing,

unheard by human ears but only

by delicate instruments, measuring

spherical noise.

The earth hums from molten

core shifting or oceans drifting

or atmospheric pressure or the measure

of the sun’s rays careening across

a breathing planet.

The earth hums, an opera

of life and tragedy, the lamentation

of that final note, held and suspended until

hearts break and circular grief engulfs

a rapt audience.

The earth hums, and there is no

silence on this planet.

Gnash your teeth and weep for it,

a cymbal’s riff, crashing across

eardrums and unlit space, resounding

the earth’s pulse.

©  Ami Mattison


Flickr photo courtesy of FlyingSinger