River Wading                                                         

by Lisa Fields

Standing tall,

cottonwoods

thread the sun

through high branches

to feed the flickering          

soft shades of green—

in their cloth of light                                       

feathers lift

and scatter

sweet notes

Reaching down,

roots

pull water into veins—

inviting us—                        

we slip into

the shallows

through gravel and slick silt—

wait for the cold to ease

In the river

moving slow and clear

braided melodies rise—

our blood suffused

in reflected light

sun-washed—

we leave cocoons of aging skin

unfolding our wings

* * * * *

Lisa Fields lives in Southwestern New Mexico. Writing poetry expresses her desire to be immersed in a state of balance. Her inspiration comes from the joy of wild places and the challenge to live happily in the domesticated world. She is a contract writer for Quirine Ketterings, Professor of Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. In her home state of NY, Lisa served the farming community as an Extension educator for 10 years, and then worked for 10 years as a self-employed advisor.