When parched with thirst, give me water,

One glass, or else I’ll die.

Persistently—languidly—melodically—

I pledge my feverish cry

Repeated at length—yet still more fiercely,

Once more—again

Tossing all night long for sleep,

Aware all sleep is spent.

As if the fields were not abounding

In herbs that grant relief.

Persistently—senselessly—redundantly

An infant’s babbled repeats…

Thus, each utterance more final:

Noose—at the neck joint…

And if it’s but an earthly name I’m moaning—

That’s not the point.