After the Falling

by Allie Gerlach

I claim this land in the name
of the state of the gene pool
that washed me ashore. I claim

this land in the name of that
and those who held me up
when up seemed impossible.

I claim this land in the name
of all who fell and could not
find their feet, cold or hot

or tender again. I claim this land
in the name of all the moments,
all the eras, spent worried, trying,

falling. I claim this land in my name
and by my feet. With heart and spine,
toes and stubborn heels I have found

solid ground and it now is mine.
I shall grow belief and desires.
I’ll water my wants with strength.

With patience and hope. I shall
root and be free. I shall root
and be free for I have landed.

Allie Gerlach is currently the stereotypical unemployed Web developer who takes solace in her dreams of triumph and travel. Poetry is a great outlet.