A Bumpy Wagon Rode

I remember

The rough metal of the wagon

I was strapped inside

By innovative means

Twine biting into the flesh of my jacket

And I remember

The shake of my lungs

As I rocked

Speedless, soundless,

Across the earth

And what captive freedom it was

And I remember

When the path decided I wasn’t worthy

And the soil heaved up

Once, twice

And gravity was rudely awoken

To perform its task

And I remember

The sideways feeling

Of the trees waving goodbye to me

Or hello

I couldn’t tell

As the wet earth

Ran eager fingers

Through me like a welcome home

And I was being rooted

No choice but to grow

Until I was plucked up again

Washed clean

like a fresh carrot.