David W. Seaman

FLOW

It begins

With a drop

Of rain, or a

Tear, a globule

Of sweat falling

From the tip of your

Nose. A swelling ooze

That runs down creases

In the soil, seeps into

Soft skin and earth

To become mud

Or slime on my

Tender flesh.

Salty, yes.

The sea sulks

In salinity as if

Composed of tears

And semen and sweat,

Saliva of Neptune, urine

Of Venus, vapors, visions

Beyond the gods’ juices

A sensual whirlpool, a

Smoothie of sauces,

Succulent sluices

Discharging

This brine.

Water.

Liquids,

Brews and

Wine. Filtered

Beverages, distilled

And refined: Armagnac,

Cognac, whiskey, and rum,

Pale vodka, perfume, and

Grain alcohol. Purity,

Pure austerity now

In asperity, how

Drought avows

Virginity.

Resuming the basic elements of life emerging from matter to perform syzygy

Insinuates our need to nourish and sustain. Return to water: soak, swim, flow.

--David W. SEAMAN