Present in the Slough

Off the main river

in the back channel

behind cottonwood island

with dark water and dank air,

tracks of raccoon and deer

along a muddy bank

in filtered light

quiet from the engines,

the slow drift of summer

fetid with the valley wash,

still a mystery despite its labor,

tires and debris along the bottom

with rocks as old as time,

something present in the slough

behind the softwood leaves,

moving yet not moving,

no track upon the sand

beneath the movement being,

still beneath the shallows.

 

 


 


6 Responses to “Present in the Slough”

  1. Bill Dare says:

    I’m with ya, Bro…

  2. Something present, moving, being. Essences of patience required now. No demands for change, no promises made. Readiness prepared in stillness. Courage internalized, strengthened. Honoring the moment when mystery is no more.

  3. Pichay says:

    Montana slough, my slough
    Long ago I had to bid adieu
    It seemed a pain at the start
    But, really….we’re not apart.

  4. Elaine says:

    I want to move there where ever there is; so peaceful, so tranquil, so beautiful, so much a part of the divine!!! :)))) Awwwww!!!

  5. Pat Fitzsimmons says:

    I really like this one, and I don’t know why, which makes it even better!

  6. Athena Coleman says:

    Beautiful use of images and words – I can even smell this place you’re
    describing. It also reminds me of the human experience but without
    judgement, just your presence as a witness.

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