Senryu Series Iii: Sundown At Altas Lakes Poem by Lillian Susan Thomas

Trek in summer's heat:
we get lost, dizzy in thin air -
suddenly, a path.

Deer droppings lead us
To water's edge: Shh! Not alone!
Stag and doe bend to drink.

Ears twitching, alert
for danger. Sniffing us out,
they leap. Blur of brown.

Snow melt cascades here
wet prisms break sunset hues
many rainbows.

Damp clothes hang on shrubs.
We bathe naked in cold pool.
Dust, sweat washes away.

Under waterfalls
I drink from your golden skin -
My thirst, unquenched.

Path leads back to camp.
We eat cold snacks. Who needs fire?
Aflame with passion.