Bend In the River

Clouds lazed in river-mirrored sky As we picnicked in tall spruce shade. "What lies beyond the river bend?" Ma smiled, "I never went that far." Under a raven’s watchful eyes, Blue water streamed beneath the sky. As he rode the west wind that way, I trailed him ‘round the river bend. With youthful whiskers on my chin, By clear waters, I carved a path, Tramping through bright flowers and grass Beyond the bend in the river. I never took the path back home. Nor did Mama learn what I found. Water gets muddy far from home, Beyond the bend in the river.