As when a straggler, desert-dry for days,
at length attains the fountain and the stream,
or like a hiker caught in full sun’s rays
without a drink, when given sips, it seems
that I’ve been parched and effort-pecked so long,
I didn’t know exhaustion when it came.
Relief’s remarkable. This comfort’s strong.
The contrast gives my other moods a name.

At home 10 days, I manage 3 alone
(except for little interruptions twice).
I sink the time in resting brain and bone.
I exercise a bit, but I am nice
to me – resuscitating energy
to underwrite the work that has to be.