she more or less limps,
trudging though mud,
dry, cracked earth hard on her
tough, calloused feet.
stands under the eve and stares
toward the heavens,
eyes wide as black depths part,
air is thick and she is wet, her
thin hair damp and glued
to the side of her weathered face
she tries in vain to gulp
non-existent air.
stands, staring, waiting.
upturned face stretches, eyes close,
mouth wide open, revealing
yellowed teeth, cracked gums,
she hears it slowly,
so slowly.
time stands still as it comes, cutting through still, clammy air, sharply,
gaining momentum.
faster��..faster��..
she cranes her neck to catch it,
lips crack as her jaw widens
the coolness explodes
envelopes her insides
the tiny splash turns
into a wave,
and finally,
she is satisfied.
