Thirst

Nikia Leopold

The marigold has grown 

 So dense with leaves 

 and pungent blossoms, 

 rain glances from it, 

 missing the glazed pot. 

 Even in this downpour, roots 

 know drought, flowers wilt, 

 the way we extend ourselves, 

 obscuring our deepest needs, 

 sleeping without dreams, 

 growing cover that kills.