Short Day

The raptor on the wire
I am watching while
I’m waiting for the light
can feel my eyes on her
and watches back
until I drive away

I get out on the dam
and lean against the rail,
where all I see is distant fog
and icy water rushing
like the people heading home

The shadows of the naked trees
are like a crowd of reaching hands
surrounding both the banks
where mud clings to the footsteps
of those seeking their reflection
in the river

I can see mine from way up here
as the traffic passes
behind me and I am looking down
to see myself
and it is almost like I’m on the wire
with her