Up and Down

Down is the natural movement.
Nothing is lifted. Things
disappear in ascent:
Water, souls. The phoenix
screeches into flames.
A balloon is strangled. Clouds
plummet down. Leaves fall. Birds fall.
Surrender and you will fall.

Things rise too.
Mountains scrunch
heavenward. Trees reach.
The tomatoes palpitating on the vine
climb towards the sun.
The heart ripens on the veins.

Life lives
and kills
and dies.