Marietta

Listen.

There was a creek
that couldn't walk straight
and I loved it for that
the way it doubled back
on itself like it was
in no hurry to become a river.

I was new to the green then
new to anything that grew
without asking permission
I put my hand in the cold of it
and didn't flinch
because I hadn't learned how to yet,
what was flinching for?

I only wanted to know it
the water,
the feel on it
myself standing there
bending all the way down
before knowing anything
truly cost me this
place in my childhood memory
I'd soon give up everything.

I've learned this lesson since
to be that unfinished again
just for the length of
one bend in that creek,

Where did all the summers go?

w.e.Campbell – © 09/11/2026