We Rue the Day
Before the river rose we cared.
We cared about the curious bend in the river
Where we skied at dusk on Saturdays.
We cared about boat rides
At the crest of dawn and how
A sun can rise imperceptibly
Then take over the sky.
It was if that same sun dropped
In the muddy river spilling over
Rising to the tin on roof tops
Scorched by noon’s heat.
We worry more now about submerged cars
About water more polluted than air
Mud and mildew no amount of Clorox negates
Cattle that never knew their intention.
We don’t think of the joys of the river anymore.
We think how it ruined us.
How we rue the day the river rose.