Sand is born
from protection that has failed
for the shells
of crustaceans and mollusks,
and ground from rock
in the tumbling waves
and swirling wind.
It is abrasive
to those not yet hardened
by the salt and and sun.
The grains traverse the world
in the soles of shoes,
the metal joints,
and folds of skin;
contaminating societies.
Rarely do we realize
that it polishes metal
to a revealing mirror finish,
and cleans and melts to silicon;
the critical substance
of modern communication.
-Robert L. Jackson
