A simple footbridge would be enough for crossing this narrow river
when it's swollen, but there's only slippery partly underwater rocks,
small spouts funneling,
or humping water over.

With waterproof overshoes, and a bamboo stalk for balance, I'd pick
my way across but not today. Shapeshifters are the happiest beings
paddling as a beaver, circling as a hawk. These aspirations keep me

wondering what it means to be human, upstream
where water bubbles between adamant boulders,
and dropped leaves sink into pebble-strewn mud.