Once we waded in the stream chest deep
The mud and silt thick between our toes
Gently walking towards the the bank with its vibrant green spears of grass, where twigs and leaves were hard against my feet
We counted the water skimmers and caddisflies
The caddisflies in their little sleeping bags made of tiny pebbles and bark
A rhythm started as we counted the delicate beings
Now as I sit here small circles appear across the stream
Round raindrops plop
Wind smears the perfect circles across the surface
A duck dives into the water like a feather dipping into a well of ink
I wish to dive into words with you
And turn the pages of books that recount how the woods feed the bugs
and the bugs feed the fish, and the fish feed us
Our bodies played in the water
Drifting with the current
You helped me discover river time
you took off your watch. “We don't need this here” you said
The future was a bright beacon of sunny watery tomorrows
The river bank is a braid of earth and water. Lined with sticks and limbs that dip into the waters edge and catch the leaves. Sticks and water interlace like friend’s hands.
I sit on the edge of earth and water, perched on a braided nest
When I visit the water alone I feel blocked
The reflection of the trees in the water
Are like prison bars and I can’t get out
Bars made by my own disappointments
Each dark reflection like a path I followed to a dead end
Another visit to an empty destination
The spring nectars say the earth is alive but I’m not sure
The little bud is brave and frail amidst the decay of winter and mud
The little bird songs are not enough
What can we grow amidst this storm of decay
How can I thrive in this landscape of mud
The sun comes out and I feel its warmth
Bird voices twill and rise from the quiet
Squeaking, whooping
A trio fly together, swooping in silly games
I am a part of this braided living earth
I remember to sing
Sing something clear and proud
Add my piece to the nest
And care for the bright blue egg
