“Manmade Shade” by Chet Hervey

The sun struck by day,
Drying out skin and
Straw.

The woman looked at
Her blanket and smiled,
“Thick.”

No need for more warmth,
For cold is no where
Here.

Burning skin blisters;
No respite to be
Found.

Plowing and harvest;
Merciless, constant
Glare.

For a brief relief
The man would gladly
Trade

A week of corn from
Unforgiving ground
Seized.

Spitting and spiting,
Elements against
Him.

A vision: the wo-
Man, carrying a
Bowl.

Tongue darts over lip:
Anticipation,
“Water.”

“No,” she coos gently,
“From sun parched straw
Taken,”

“Woven like fabric.”
Mocking angry sun
“Hat.”