to wring a dry cloth

on cracked soil 

under the ablaze sun. 

to drink water from 

the dead sea 

under the mute night. 

to wrestle a child, 

parched, famished, 

deserted on the streets. 

to dangle carrots 

miles away 

from a restful stable. 

tread softly, please. 

there is nothing left to give.