DIAGRAM

Thirst follows no tunnels, no maps. Thirst is a harrowed arithmetic, stuttered and freeze-framed.
Thirst is the snake swallowing itself
and we are the pilgrims shedding
a burnt offering, a chastened ember
to glow upon the bed of the tongue
and make stronger.

Thirst is the last word
gone up in flame, easy kindling.
Thirst is a release when nothing is left. Thirst is the dotted line
when you have no name to give.