my shriveled form staggers forward
with nothing but the slightest glimmer of water in the distance
fueling my weary heart
and driving my wilting frame on

my tongue lies heavy in my mouth
and as I trudge on I begin to weep
my chest heaves with each sob
but my torrid face remains untouched

Please
I ask of any god who is listening
*for once,
let that glimmer be
more than a
mirage