Survival

by Jolanda Dubbeldam

Tropical heat violently beats my head
bouncing up from white crust
underneath my feet.
Eyes clenched behind sunglasses
not good enough protection
not helping stem streams of sweat
stinging eyes and skin.

I sink slowly to crouch
reach fingers to touch
tiny white grains attach
I bring them to my lips
Salt. Salt of the earth.

Later, when heat dissipates
sun’s fierce heat cools to orange
fellow visitors arrive
to crouch and lap with tongues
smooth or rough.
Peace will reign a while as
lion shares space with gazelle.