The River That Shouldn’t Be There

When sitting on the banks of the river

That used to flow regularly 

But is now mostly dry

Except on days like these–

A surprise blessing 

Of flowing water 

In the desert 

After a weekend of heavy rain,

One looks down 

And is shocked to discover 

One’s hands covered in specks sparkling gold

And one thinks–

I cannot have discovered gold.

This cannot possibly be gold on me.

And yet, 

I don’t feel like the fool

Seeing my body covered in gold

Shining in the sun,

As the river 

That shouldn’t be here 

Flows at my feet. 

Who knows what treasure is there 

On your palm 

At the side of the river

Made by rain?