A Walk Along The Sturgeon River

Rain drops
Sweet milk
On the ground
The earth
Opens its hungry baby's month
Sucks it in
The grass
Satisfied
Flaunting its green
With the whisper
Of a thousand small creatures
Like luscious hair
Tickling my ankles
Softly

The river flows
Glistening
Carrying away
A load off my chest
So I can breathe
A mouthful
Breastless breath
Light and free
Soothe me
Like Mama's soup
Through its lean wall
I hear
My heart beat
To the river's ancient rhythm
Calm and strong

Wind spreads
Soundless music
On my face
A brush
Of Father's hand
Gently

Sky expands
Vast blue
Bright as my eyes
As those of a newborn
Cloudless
Look up
Heavenward
No fear

Written on Aug. 5, 1998