In an era where spiritual aridness can feel as pervasive as the dry air of fire season, D. A. Powell’s evocative poem, "Spell for Binding the Center to a Center," offers a profound meditation on the grounding power of the earth. The work, published in the March 2026 print edition, suggests that amid the metaphorical fires of worldly anxieties and upheaval, it is our primal connection to the soil beneath our feet that provides essential stability. Powell’s lyrical exploration delves into the myriad ways the earth sustains us, from the materials that construct our homes and the food that nourishes us to the very essence of life and renewal. This poem is not merely an abstract reflection but a visceral call to reconnect with the physical world, positing the earth as a steadfast anchor against the storms of existence.

The poem enumerates the fundamental elements that constitute this vital connection: "our dam material, our plant medium, our brick paste, our fortress against dying, our mother’s greens plucked in winter and served in soup, our fodder and feed lots, our field of unknowing and enfolding." This comprehensive list highlights the earth’s multifaceted role, encompassing both the utilitarian aspects of survival and the more abstract, perhaps spiritual, dimensions of human experience. It acknowledges the earth not just as a resource but as a source of comfort and continuity, capable of providing sustenance and a sense of belonging even when outward circumstances are chaotic. The imagery of winter greens preserved for soup evokes a deep ancestral memory, a testament to the earth’s enduring capacity to provide bounty across seasons and generations. Furthermore, the concept of a "field of unknowing and enfolding" suggests a space where anxieties can dissipate, and a sense of peace can be found through immersion in the natural world.

Powell then expands this idea to encompass the diverse textures and compositions of the earth itself: "the dirt of churchyards and sideyards, the dirt with metal in it, the dirt with oxygen in it, the dirt with water in it, the dirt with clay in it, the dirt with salt and sand and silt, the soil, the loam, the sod, the clod, the gravel, the mud, the muck, the groot, the grit, the ground." This detailed cataloguing underscores the earth’s inherent complexity and richness. It moves beyond a singular, idealized notion of nature to embrace the full spectrum of earthly matter, from the refined loam that supports agriculture to the rough gravel and mud that speak of resilience and transformation. Each descriptor carries its own weight and texture, inviting the reader to contemplate the very substance of our planet and its intimate relationship with our lives. The inclusion of terms like "groot" and "grit" adds a colloquial, almost earthy wisdom, further grounding the poem in tangible experience.

The poem then shifts to an empowering affirmation, encouraging the reader to internalize this connection: "Say, ‘I am my earth in the way I want to see it, from the hot core to the frigid reaches, large at the equator where it’s luscious and wrapped in silky clouds, puffy thunderheads, belts of rain and snow.’" This internal declaration is a powerful act of self-definition, aligning the individual’s identity with the vastness and dynamism of the planet. By embracing the earth’s full spectrum, from its fiery core to its icy poles, and acknowledging its diverse atmospheric phenomena, the speaker claims a comprehensive and vibrant sense of self. The description of the equator as "luscious" and adorned with "silky clouds" paints a picture of abundance and beauty, while the mention of "puffy thunderheads, belts of rain and snow" acknowledges the earth’s power and unpredictability, suggesting that a true embrace includes all its facets.

This self-identification extends to a nurturing and abundant aspect: "I am my earth that nurses. I am my earth abundant. I am my earth in a sheath of green and blue raincoat." This personification of the earth as a nurturer reinforces its life-giving qualities, positioning it as a benevolent force that sustains and supports. The "sheath of green and blue raincoat" is a vivid metaphor for the protective layers of atmosphere and biosphere that shield and sustain life, evoking images of lush vegetation and life-giving water. This imagery speaks to the cyclical nature of life, the constant renewal and provision that the earth offers. In a global context, this resonates with the growing awareness of ecological interdependence and the critical need for stewardship of our planet’s resources.

Powell then urges a physical and emotional engagement with the earth: "Hunker down in your earth. Listen to the death in your earth. The life. Listen to the earth under your feet. Sit down in a field. Feel the way your ass is supported by the earth. Stretch out against it. Let your legs sprawl over the soft earth. Lie down on the hard earth and press against it." This passage is a direct invitation to physical communion. The imperative verbs—"Hunker down," "Listen," "Sit down," "Feel," "Stretch out," "Lie down," "Press"—create a sense of urgency and direct instruction. The act of "hunkering down" suggests seeking refuge and safety, while listening to "death" and "life" acknowledges the full cycle of existence that the earth embodies. The sensory details—the feeling of support, the sprawling of limbs, the pressure against hard earth—aim to reawaken a primal connection that may have been dulled by modern living. This call to physical intimacy with the earth echoes ancient practices of grounding and shamanic connection, highlighting the enduring human need for tactile engagement with the natural world.

The poem culminates in a deeply intimate and confessional plea: "Touch its dirt the way you would touch a lover. Speak your secrets in the dust. Talk about how long you’ve been together and how you’ve both tried to save each other. Save each other. Every day come back to the earth and tell it you’re sorry, you’ll do better, you’ll bring your child, your lover, your mother back to visit this spot, this place where you remembered for once, like your papa always told you, you remembered where you came from and how good it felt to be at home in the world today." This final stanza elevates the earth to the status of a confidante and partner, an entity worthy of profound affection and earnest communication. The comparison of touching the dirt to touching a lover signifies a deep, sensual, and reciprocal relationship. Confessing secrets in the dust and recounting shared histories of mutual preservation suggests a long-standing, perhaps generational, bond. The repeated plea to "save each other" highlights the precariousness of this relationship and the shared responsibility for its continuity.

The ritualistic act of returning to the earth daily, offering apologies, and promising improvement underscores a commitment to reconciliation and renewed respect. The intention to bring loved ones to this sacred spot signifies a desire to pass on this vital connection, to ensure that future generations remember their origins and experience the profound sense of belonging that comes from being "at home in the world." This notion of remembering where one came from, as guided by parental wisdom, speaks to the transmission of cultural memory and the importance of ancestral roots. Ultimately, Powell’s "Spell for Binding the Center to a Center" serves as a powerful and timely reminder of our fundamental interconnectedness with the earth, urging us to cultivate a relationship of reverence, reciprocity, and profound belonging in a world often characterized by disconnection and spiritual drought. The poem’s resonance extends beyond personal introspection, offering a framework for understanding our collective ecological responsibilities and the potential for healing through a renewed embrace of the natural world. D. A. Powell, whose previous works include the Kingsley Tufts Prize-winning Chronic and the National Book Critics Circle Award-winning Useless Landscape, or Guide for Boys, continues to explore themes of vulnerability, connection, and the human condition with profound lyrical insight.