in nights like last when i hear the rain

in nights like last when i hear the rain

i wish to awake and run out the door

into the dampness and filth of early spring mud

and find stagnant waters pooled in the

limp, moist grass, drop down to my knees

and feel the soil cake my skin -

my hands darkened with earth and my face

ready to plunge into the cool, shallow waters;

i rear my head back and push through the air

until my face lies saturated and i drink -

i let the waters of rebirth sooth my throat

and wet my parched lips until my breath is gone -

i inhale the waters of the earth and spring

until i lie in that puddle wishing never to rise