RIVER WALK

I walked stealthily down the path. One foot at a time. A breath for
each step. Eyes scanning left and right. Looking for a sign. Below the
path the river rushing full of spring run off. The path wound down to a
wooden foot bridge that crossed the river. I left the path and crouched
among the ferns. I stalked down to the rocky river's edge below the
bridge. I knelt and drank from my cupped hand. Above on the path across
the river two hikers taking long strides down the hill to the bridge.
The hikers paused on the bridge. They took off their packs set them
down carefully. They took out water bottles and drank. I hugged the
rocky ground and watched and listened. The water rushed by. The hikers
joked. I was still. I was ready.