When we are born
thirst makes us cry

thirst surges through our arteries
when the hormones hit

when we start to wither
our thirst intensifies

for the tongue of touch
the magazine of rain

we remember we were once loved
love kept us alive

***

the mother’s face
was the face of God

the berries in the bucket
were sweet to the taste

we were swifter than eagles
stronger than lions

when was this
it was in our dream

and when we wake
all gone but the thirst

***

now we pause to watch
sparrows compete in a puddle

now we peer into a stroller
at a months-old face

now we reach for something
to give the homeless man

love not yet flooding back
we are sparrows

and babies and beggars
we must drink our thirst