“Gift Shop” – The Tragically Hip

July 17th:
past forest and flowers
we wander through a world of grey and green,
looking for a place to happen.
and in the distance between
the deepest pools, we search
the riffles, runs, the subtle seams.
remarking on the apathy of weather.
traveling along well worn trails,
until well worn trails,
turn into wilderness untethered.

“y’know i haven’t much to give.
no great wealth or wisdom or wit.
all i’ve really got is this.
sure i can lend you the tools,
show you a few tricks,
point to a few spots on the map
but mostly i’ll give you something to look
into instead of just at.
and if you’re lucky it will
linger long after that.
it’ll invade your dreams
become your weakness.
a mystery to be studied
until it gives up its secrets,
and the lure of what lies
beyond every next bend
and a river will never
be only water again.”

but i don’t say any of this,
we just walk the bank,
drink beers, talk shit
and catch fish.