Brick-dust tumbles
with last reach for light,
choked leaves gasping for air.

Cigarette ends and spiders
come and go
like traffic on the road.

Violet against terracotta,
a Maasai on an African plain -
burning thirst.

Rain drips along
upright canals of grout
slurped by parched roots.

Crinkled buds
like babies’ hands,
drenched, unfold.