Rain drops
Sweet milk
On the ground
The earth
Opens its hungry baby's month
Sucks it in
The grass
Satisfied
Flaunting its green
With the whisper
Of a thousand small creatures
Like luscious hair
Tickling my ankles
Softly

The river flows
Glistening
Carrying away
A load off my chest
So I can breathe
A mouthful
Breastless breath
Light and free
Soothe me
Like Mama's soup
Through its lean wall
I hear
My heart beat
To the river's ancient rhythm
Calm and strong

Wind spreads
Soundless music
On my face
A brush
Of Father's hand
Gently

Sky expands
Vast blue
Bright as my eyes
As those of a newborn
Cloudless
Look up
Heavenward
No fear

Written on Aug. 5, 1998