By the River

By the River

It’s been a hot minute,
I haven’t been here for some time.
Last time I was here, you were here with me.

We were a little more than tipsy.
You wanted to feel the mud between your toes,

the water on your ankles,
and to find me stones.

I can feel them in my pocket,

heavy, with time.

Still, I carry one or two on me,

to carry you, where I go

“I want you to have something from me” you had said.

“Why would I need anything when I have you?” I replied.

Famous last words.

This was our go-to spot, ever since we were kids.
We’ve had picnics here, family and friend gatherings,
hell, we’ve been here high, more than sober at this point.
Just last weekend we refilled our secret hidden stash of snacks,
for when we got the munchies and of course, forgot to bring food with us.

Tonight, I was laying on my back to look at the stars,
my eyes soon closed, feeling the drunkenness turn to sleep.

I only opened them because I couldn’t feel where you were.

You were face down in the river.

And I still feel the mud between my toes,

the water on my ankles
From when I got to you.