I balance on the edge of these
2 continents: desire        & detachment,

hot & cold a constant        pulling away,
one from the other. In the center,

the smooth black sand that hides
the rupture beneath.        Restless

separation        trigger & release
to eruption of smoke & flame.

The cold sea resists the heat.
For 24 million years it may resist,

yet the heat persists,        building up
its shelf of rock & ridge        flow

of lava hardening to this aphanitic black, 
or glass        small length of land,

a sea on every side. The only place
where I can stand.