Xeric

Why, oh why, have I lived my life so intensely?
Do I have to feel all of it so immensely?

Does my every heart string belong to the world?
Why’s my heart outside me & nerves always unfurled?

I’ve lived fast & I’ve lived slow; I’ve even stood still.
Yet, the flow of my empathy’s a humming mill.

It’s easy for some to turn it down; even off.
But, I can’t find the dial; so, I’m always on quaff.

I’ve kept frail peace with the draught of humanity.
Gulping joys with sins…in a play for sanity.

Can’t sip from a waterfall…but I might still try.
I’m quenched unto drowning; but at least I know why.

I know water is life & we all must have it.
Plus, I just can’t conceive of a xeric habit.