*

*

the love river flows, then

sinks below ground

sludge, slime and mud remain,

mud, rocks, rotten leaves

crayfish or salamander corpse

in a trickle of silty murk

sharp shingle cracked

by ice and sun

*

step with steadfast care

do not abandon this place

hold heart-close the river’s fullness

beneath your feet

pray for the rain of grace