Because you float—
that in itself is something
to admire. As we all know,
the world tries to sink us.
But you, buoyant and tough,
you carry us over cold water.
You act as a bumper when
we get too close to a rock,
to a wall, to a log. You move
at the river’s pace.
There are days, weeks,
I wish I could do what you do—
surround us with support,
make it fun, slip us
into the flow so easily
we can’t help but laugh,
even as our hearts
thump wild in our chests.