I Forgot Crimson Soil

I forgot miles of crimson soil burning red in Alabama sun
I forgot the feel of earth velvety rich between my toes
I forgot the smell of dirt after a thunderstorm
steaming bread freshly baked
I forgot childish play in Alabama clay
fingers glazed with mud pie batter
I forgot tranquil car rides on hidden backroads
imprints snaking inch-deep tunnels
I forgot the sound of rocks crunching beneath my feet
shiny gems sprinkling strawberry lanes
I forgot Alabama soil runs deep in my veins
I forgot the sun turns my hair and skin Indian red
I forgot how small sky and earth made me feel
a speckle of dust, a grain of topography where I was born
Copyright 2017 by E. Denise Billups
Photo: Courtesy of Pinterest