we dance through the heat of noon
dance for rain that never comes
dust drips from faces
burned brown by merciless sun
drips and forms dust pools
under our shuffling feet

we dream of water
of diluvial deliverance
and wake unable to speak
through parched throats
crusted tongues
dull teeth

we cry for our crops
one tear or two over each
faltering, failing plant
the last moisture in us
and then we wait and watch
to see if God will cry with us
break the seal of the sky
and bless us, water us
until harvest