The Gift

I leaned today against a tree and watched

as those around me

drank of water falling from the sky.

How easy it seemed for these beings to accept,

to open their hearts; to surrender

to that beyond their control. To say:

I cannot do it alone, I need your help.

I leaned against the fir, my mind far from clear.

I, too, wanted to drink of the well, yet

my mouth remained parched as my shoulders grew wet.

I leaned against her roughened skin.

Wanting. Desperately wanting;
demanding in my need.

I leaned against her heart, tired; at last, defenseless.

There was nothing left. I lay down with the dead leaves and broken twigs

the damp earth on my cheek and let go

       and drank of the sweet moisture seeping into my soul.