Creek Walk
by Sarah M. Wells
Wading in the river current
pulling me in like
sliding under covers—
I become part of the riverbed, sediment
blending with my skin. I am woven
with wild grasses on banks,
molded to the surface of earth
in perfect curves, body fluid, rooted.
I could be washed away with a little rain.
What trickles harmless around me now
exposes roots of ancient trees
that lean toward light,
grow sideways to keep from sliding.
They will join the rapid flow,
deteriorate with me and we will deposit
in a delta with every other swallowed figure
from upriver. I dip my fingers in,
feel the stream make room for me.
I will share in this shifting
of earth—dirt loosened
until the roots give way.
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