something golden

8/31/2023

spring to summer to early fall.
the trees on the riverbank slightly tinged
with gold. the trail of my fingers like leaves
through the sunlight.

I am searching for something golden.

a can with the lid cracked open.
one foot on the shore, one foot in the river;
fear of current, bridges I can't cross.
my hands, closing on something I want, but
cannot allow myself to have—

something golden

a name. two syllables I cannot quite
pronounce.

I am searching for something golden.

a weak muscle. the press of fingers on
a frayed nerve. the affection, unexpected,
from my mother. the admission: I would not
know what to do with—

something golden

connection, to myself, to others.
love, from myself, from others.