Here is a River

Here is a river full of dog,
and oh, its slumped banks,
its pools of delight.
Here is the salmonberry reaching
its flowers over the edge.
Here is all the green fuzz
and newborn April wanting –
stroke it now and walk,
sand covered branch in hand.
And what did you bring
in your pocket today?
White stones for the bone tree,
dried meats wrapped in foil,
a collar stitched with salmon.
Bound, bound to the water's edge
across the morning path.
Will you love him more than this
when he's gone?
Here is a river
full of sticks and spaniel,
you bring it along on your fingers,
you wear the scarf of robin song
and call the old dog home.