River Watch

Water gurgled
over smooth, thirsty stones, and
licked our ankles
with a cold, forking tongue.

Our hands held
in spite of slips and falls,
you kissed my cheek
when we reached flat sand.

The grass was soft
on the bank where we lay;
the sun washed bare skin,
while our clothes laid out to dry.

A hawk shrieked overhead,
you startled in my arms;
I nibbled at your ear, and
the high gliding predator moved on.

(all rights reserved Pat Paulk 2005)