for Michael Aldritch

Gravel-bars, riverbanks, scars
of the glaciers,
healing and nursing moraine—
tall hemp plants followed man

       midden         dump heap         roadway slash

To bind his loads and ease his mind
       Moor to Spain, Spain in horse-manure
       and straw, across the sea
       & up from Mexico

—a tiny puff of white cloud far away.
we sit and wait, for days,
and pray for rain.