Eternal Pulse

What compels it to pound so diligently?

There’s a pulse
that beats 
beneath us,
no, all around us, 
pounds on our chest
and wraps around our ribs
and vibrates up and down
our spine
and down our legs.

It’s never stopped, 
that we know of,
at least not yet.

It rises in our nostrils
and creeps down
our throats.

It mixes
with the sea
and the moisture 
pushed out
by the trees.

It’s steadier
than the sun
for when the sun
goes down 
and gives way 
to the moon
the pulse carries on.

It relies on no one,
that we know of.

What compels it
to pound
so diligently, reliably,
resiliently?

What powers
and modulates it,
maintains its steady beat,
quickens it 
from time to time
to the point 
of destruction 
and devastation?

What keeps
it from beating too slowly,
from dropping below
our needs?

It just keeps beating 
under our feet
and pounding on our chest, 
tingling our nostrils,
bringing tears
to our eyes
at times,
never taking a rest,
even when we need to.

I trust it will be there
when I awake,
again.