heatwave 33

the air, in the shade
is so warm it is
difficult to breathe it in -
all things swelter
all things are desert, dust,
in this heat, the plants
wilt, I can hear them
dying of thirst

I had to
give up being out, working
in the garden, I thought
my heart would burst

even here, under an awning
my head is pained
and my limbs drained

I shall do no more
but sit and breathe
today.  The clover
is already passing
and the lambs bleat.

One Year Round The Sun
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