Lady

She lives in the river
Drifting on gentle currents
While the water sings her lonely song
Yet whiskered catfish are her friends
And the crayfish tickle her toes
While painted turtles watch

Even though it’s been years
Since I fell in her river uninvited
Legs tangled in wisps of green elodea
Holding my breath and seeing
The surface so far above me
I know that she is still there

On the river bank I return
To sit and stare at my reflection
And to see her sweet face
Beside my worn one
While the crayfish
Tickle my toes