Not Really a Dirge

When gulls and loons take over the wish 

bone 

tree branch anchored in a river grave,
when yesterday means to 

widow 

otherwise, then we’ll be turtles 

ready 

to issue a forwarding
address through a break 

in the current.

River Salvation

Three turtles on the back
of a fallen wish bone
branch, I’m looking down 

river 

again. The chain
of lakes does not captivate.
Without an ocean, 

my roots 

go thirsting
for a source deep
in the mud. Home 

is wherever water carries
forth that voice.