River

slowly clearing skies-
the stillness of rain water
in a fallen leaf
–
soft wet earth-
a new stream born
of autumn rain

a willow’s caress-
snow laden branches reach down
to stroke the water
–
frozen stones-
roiling water
skinned in ice

herons in the reeds-
crabs hide under stones after
the overnight rain
–
river rocks-
barbel catfish lurk
in the shadows

on reticent wings
under cover of darkness-
silently hunting
–
liquid moon-
a stream of bats
flows through the night sky

softly glowing coals-
the gentle curve of your hips
make the snow drifts blush
–
afternoon sun-
rising streams
of snow melt

river clay and dust
takes on a life of its own
much to my chagrin
–
pounding rain-
the stream a torrent
of mud and debris

moonlight in her hair-
she walks along the shoreline
and into the night
–
a turtle’s splash –
the moon wavers
on the water

sitting at the bar-
beautiful and dangerous
death in a red dress
–
mangrove trees-
crocodiles
come and go

a forest of ghosts-
cadavers stand sentinel
bleaching in the sun
–
echoes –
sunlight on
the forest floor

searing hot asphalt-
children splash in the water
from a cracked hydrant
–
heavy branches-
in the shade
a rope swing