Where She's From

She's from Earth. From anyplace

on there where she breathes air,

eats food, drinks local water. Where

she's conversed, slept, danced,

followed customs, chafed against them,

shown respect. Where she's been helped;

and helped. She's from Earth. I think

all of us are. Maybe we should try

the habit of thinking we're from there.

Here. Because we are, and thinking so

might clear away some clutter,

smother some friction-fired heat.

She's from Earth. She likes it

here okay, when people find their

ways to get along. On Earth. 

hans ostrom 2024