Running Water

I lay beside the tiny shady stream,

where I write your name.

And in vain, I try to tell in words 

my thoughts of you,

It’s insane.

The running water rushes by your name

with every drip it draws a bow around 

your face.

In every gleam, I see the way you

walked away,

like a deer getting away from earnest flame,

in a deep dark forest with a careless fire,

leaping in every direction, hurrying to retire.

With soft eyes and irises sweet 

with never remembered rain.

With strength, I beckon on you to return.

And grace the day once more like a dame.

But that’s all gone now I realise.

I’m sane, I wake, to see the waves are

come again.

And like my tears, the running water’s

washed away your name. 

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Cover photo by Bernadetta Watts