THE SECRETS OF ISHBAR

The Fire in the Waters

1.

In the bowl of the mountain valley
after the arctic storm
the pipes are frozen
and the electric wires are down
we wait
        expectantly
for the day to warm
peeping through the heavy air. 

2.

I see the farmer's daughter
walk up the ribbon on the slope
a pitcher atop her head
perfectly balanced as she walks
from the spring to her home. 

3.

On that frigid wintry day
the fire in the belly of the spring
is another sign of life. 

4.

Inside the hospice
friends pour
fiery arrack
or light tea
our spirits are low
so we warm our bodies. 

5.

Later, we walk to the pond
the surface of this bowl
is a frosted mirror
our reflections are shadows
but we recognize
a glow.