Thank you for these tiny

particles of ocean salt,

pearl-necklace viruses,

winged protozoans:

for the infinite,

intricate shapes

of submicroscopic

living things.

For algae spores

and fungus spores,

bonded by vital

mutual genetic cooperation,

spreading their

inseparable lives

from equator to pole.

My hand, my arm,

make sweeping circles.

Dust climbs the ladder of light.

For this infernal, endless chore,

for these eternal seeds of rain:

Thank you. For dust.

From Magnificat, published by Louisiana State University Press. Copyright © 1994 by Marilyn Nelson. All rights reserved. Used with permission.