Along the Sun-Drenched Roadside

Along the sun-drenched roadside, from the greathollow half-treetrunk, which for generationshas been a trough, renewing in itselfan inch or two of rain,

I satisfymy thirst: taking the water's pristine coolnessinto my whole body through my wrists.

Drinking would be too powerful, too clear;but this unhurried gesture of restraintfills my whole consciousness with shining water.

Thus, if you came,

I could be satisfiedto let my hand rest lightly, for a moment,lightly, upon your shoulder or your breast.