Reaching
the point
of not knowing
we’re sinning
and believing
we’re not.

Left home hours ago
barefoot cool earth
night stars

escape
through last of woods
down along the river

slipping into water knee-high
standing a moment
ready to dance
cool tease of deeper waters

stripping to trees
fluttering leaves
branches easing within dark
whispers
someone there
watching

river pulling
neck-deep flow
over sand and rock and roots

on shore the world demon
clawing

moon cut
mother calling
weeping

decision already made
floating down the river
stone blue
blending into depths.

Homeless
night stars dim

finding his place
in a hole in the alley

sleeping in his shoes
ready to run

warming hands in his pants
street hard against cold bones

taking flight in a dream
he repeats, repeats
nightly.