thirst

the water of lake victoria lapping.
the night bugs are like snow flurries in the light.

the stars of the southern hemisphere are mapped out before me- gigantic and foreign,  rich and glorious. 

it's hard to believe i'm here.  

and this is where i am- (thanks lilian)

Thirst
Another morning and I wake with thirst
for the goodness I do not have. I walk
out to the pond and all the way God has
given us such beautiful lessons. Oh Lord,
I was never a quick scholar but sulked
and hunched over my books past the hour
and the bell; grant me, in your mercy,
a little more time. Love for the earth
and love for you are having such a long
conversation in my heart. Who knows what
will finally happen or where I will be sent,
yet already I have given a great many things
away, expecting to be told to pack nothing,
except the prayers which, with this thirst,
I am slowly learning.

— Mary Oliver, Thirst,