wishing for a river to
carry her to that distant
place, free of encumbrances,
where birdcalls echo across
the water, framed thickly
by landscapes of trees and
mountains, this economic
engine pulsing past towns
thrumming with industry, vein
of lifesblood bearing goods
for barter, sale, constantly
moving forward, roar of
the water a beating heart, all
in unison while she slows,
stops, and listens.