On the asphalt river

On the asphalt river winding through my city

a car sped by,

its driver

- determined to arrive I do not know where -

claimed space for self

inches from me

perched on two wheels.

I stopped

pushed my bike through long grass

and left it

under a sweet gum tree.

With one leap

I claimed space on rock

a flat piece resting

in the creek winding through my life.

Boxelder branches above, a limestone cliff opposite,

a single dragonfly,

poised - translucent wings spread - on a slender twig,

greeted me.

Home, she said,

you are home.

I know, I said,

I know,

Even though I dared not touch water:

Poisoned,

holy no more to humans

who claim space along its edges.