What the river leaves behind

Inhale and you will miss it. The breath of water
rising above the river, following it towards sunset.
As the river’s breath rises, you may find yours

shortens, worries at your lungs.
You may stand on its banks some days and resist
the temptation to walk in up to your chest.

What the river leaves behind
doesn’t matter to time or the river.
What the river leaves behind is all breaths.

The Fenland Reed, Spring 2016