on a day

you think the sun

may never rise again

you look down at Pigeon River’s

run to the Lake

then cross your heart

know you hold him deep

then share his ashes

with coho and water and oaks

understand now

guardians everywhere

even when invisible

his shadow still beside you

Maryann Hurtt lives in Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine where she hikes almost daily to La Budde Creek, Bear Lake Marsh, and assorted other rivers, lakes, and ponds with an occasional dip into Elkhart Lake. She is passionate about environmental issues and is currently completing a new manuscript, The Aquaphile’s Atlas.