after turning back around
I walked along the river
its current
streaming through
bone conduction headphones
I turn the volume up
using thought commands
—the early spring leaves
in the very tall trees
growing greener
by the minute
the eagle sees the crow
but not vice versa
hawks circling overhead
escorting me along
the shoulder of the road
zeroing in on the welcome sign
at a trailhead
the river reminds me
home is further from the truth
suggesting its best
to stay close to her banks
may two thousand twenty-four
copyright j matthew waters
all rights reserved





