Salute to the sun

We begin with application.
Relearn your body
– the forgotten spaces:
eyelids, backs of knees,
the feet. Pay special care
to scars and any intradermal
protrudences. Go beneath
straplines and waistbands.

When picking your spot,
look for a balance of elements.
Always show respect
to those wearing lower factors
than you. Always check down-wind
before shaking out your towel.

Lie back. Let the sand
make a duplicate of your spine:
you are becoming it,
and it is becoming you.
Match your breath to the sea.
Rising falling rising falling.
Clear away all thoughts,
now that wasn’t so tough.
If you break sweat
you’re trying too hard.
Listen to the tightening skin.
Let your body do the thinking.

On the backs of your eyelids,
you will likely see your childhood
sweetheart in flames, flailing around,
dowsed in gasoline.
This is natural. Let them dance.
You deepen by the hour.