Drought

Sept. 8, 2011

 

I have seen the weeping of the leafless trees

Dying of thirst and thirsting for the rain,

Parched and suffering in a lifeless breeze

In a summer of sorrow upon us once again.

How do iris and peonies survive?

To the searing heat their life-force has attuned

In the burning months when weeds alone can thrive.

The lowly grass uncaring gods have ruined

That gives no flower and no food to eat

But lays for man a carpet for his feet.