The pantoum is a poetic form originating in 15th century Malaysia that uses repetition. It’s a poem of any length composed of four-line stanzas in which the second and fourth lines of each stanza serve as the first and third lines of the next stanza. The final stanza is often two lines from the first stanza.

thirst—a pantoum

be thirsty, it’s primary
a thirst that insists
it requires quenching
your spirit is hungry

a thirst that insists
that points the direction
your spirit is pining
to find your true home

it points the direction
with love and persistence
you’ll find your true home
even closer than breathing

be persistent and loving
and direct your attention
even prior to breathing
observe and you’ll find it

direct your attention
turn inward each time
observe and you’ll find it
your near and dear home

be thirsty, it’s primary
it requires quenching

2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.