James River Hike-u

silver at morning sun scarred, blue brown in midday violet grey at dusk

pinecone-scattered beach footprints of geese in wet sand blanched driftwood slumbers a flat, amber stone gives off ancient, morning light who else has touched you

shy redbuds emerge in the wood’s soft, green corners a gasp of color

fitful wind spirits tease my cheeks, loosen wisps of hair friend or foe, you tire me

upturned rubber shoe damp patch of toilet paper a fish skeleton

flames of cardinals ignite the forest edges slender pine trunks creak

river, you watch us with a glistening, ribbon eye what do you remember