Canal and River

Is it the burning bull at the centre or the sun
I remember? Canal and river, a fisherman
in waders, a boy passing under.

At spring tide the boy moved through the valley
passing red and blue fields, passing
parallel waters.

Was it still summer or already autumn?

Partial month of leaves partially green. A boy
in water, alive for part of the day, in this aspect
of the season.

River right, river left.

I watch the current, the fisherman in waders
who I always thought had dragged him out.

Could the boy graze your leg the way river weed
skims the skin when you push off from the jetty?
...