A Passing Day (Canto IV)

A Passing Day by Jack A.S. Dunce Canto IV: The Thirst I took a swig of water from my flask To quench the dryness spreading through my throat, That left my tongue as coarse as desert sand And frayed the edges of my brittle nerves. Perhaps it was more a knee-jerk response To being lost and not to actual thirst, A sort of nervous twitch, a transient tic, An act that offered solace in doing. In time, the water in my flask ran dry. Although it doused the thirst and eased the nerves The truth remained: Somehow, l'd lost my way While deep within the heat of passion's fire. I raised my empty flask and tipped it high; Then gave a needful shake for one last drop; A tap, and one more shake for good measure. And, still, I peered inside, ever hopeful. ©️pgmr 01/15/2025