1.
Leathery flat splash
Thwwapp!
Swift wet noisy
air pocket gurgle.
Quiet now, but,
you’ll be back,
Swimming
Chewing
Slapping in the moonlight
2.
Past last glow
I walk ‘long your river’s banks.
Your tail meets water
enough to rival the rustling leaves.
By my flames
I hear you chewing.
Do you think I cannot?
Rodent fangs to alders,
soft wood squeaks.
3.
Dry dawn,
eyes shut five more, then,
hours of rain.
Bone under nylon,
listening for you.
Where have you gone?
I know you’re not afraid to get wet.
You and I might be alike—
dreaming away the morning,
then rushing, like the river you dam,
through rest of the day.
