Deer head bounce above the thicket

where the sun and the wind
are dancing on water
shimmering flowing as
birds fill the creekside
with their songs of knowing

trees guard the banks
where we made our castle
all along the stone edges
where we have built
our final defenses

waters run clear
so you can see the bed
why should i be afraid to cross it
and far in the distant overhead
two eagles turn to face me directly

i was to them
as the wind in countless trees
one of many insects around me
and for a moment i was king
of the texas hill country

now the time has come to leave
we walk into the butterflies
by a flower circle
where the wind and the trees
falling leaves.