Moss and lichen

Published 1 January 2021

by Suus Agnes

 

moss and lichen:
extremophiles yet sensitive

r. geographicum
r. elegans

sent into space
for two weeks
Lichens survived
extreme temperature
fluctuations, vacuum,
cosmic radiation --
OPEN SPACE

Earthly companions
they're there
almost anywhere
no effort
observation

Geothermic Pools
+50* soils

or high effort --
venturing
into merciless lands
on icy rocks

Take their presence
as a compliment:

they are a language telling
you about the cleanliness
of the air: the more mosses &
lichens, the better.

Take their presence
as a pillar of strength
on rainy days

knowing that being
soaked isn't bad
for everyone.

 

 

This poem is a public submission created for Red Room Poetry's New Shoots digital poetry anthology.