Mataranka

MATARANKA


Swim-water after
the dry desert dust
was such a joy, and is.
Mataranka quenches with
graced relief,

a pandanus-lined
palm frond shaded
stream of blue water
running like a spa
of fresh-cleansing

And yet the comfort
of the beautiful oasis
rankles when you learn
of how the lukewarm
water once ran red

with the saveless life-
water let of native veins,
cut gracelessly and stifled
of their country's springs,
their hearts.