cryptobiosis

a poem inspired by a certain waterbear

Jul 27, 2026

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centuries of hibernation
     crystallizing in a dried womb
nothing can harm a moss-dweller
     unable to feel—

but just as a drop of neptune
     stirs a waterbear from its slumber
so did your pear-shaped tears
     draw me into their orchard.

when the rain subsides
     will we molt or vitrify?
dreaming of a wet resurrection
     in a lunar-born tide ~

What is a waterbear?

Also known as a moss piglet or Tardigrade (which means “slow walker”), a waterbear is a microscopic animal known for its resilience. When the pond they live in dries out, instead of perishing, waterbears crystallize themselves in a process known as cryptobiosis. In this crystal “tun” state, they become highly resistant to scorching heat, freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen, and radiation. Until the rain or another liquid rehydrates their bodies, they can remain in this state of near-death hibernation for decades. Though they typically live from 3 weeks to 2 years, in one instance, scientists revived a waterbear from a 30-year old sample of frozen moss, and it returned to its small and squishy life as if it hadn’t been in limbo for all those years.

In 2019, an Israeli spacecraft carrying a capsule of waterbears crashed on the Moon. I’d like to think they’re still up there, waiting for the sweet lunar rain.

I was inspired to write this poem after reading this post. Hopefully, I did the moss piglets justice.