Waiting for My Echo

I want a bridge in the wilderness

that comes from nowhere

and goes to nowhere

I want a bridge across a river

or a way to the other side

of a raging stream or rocky gorge

I want a bridge made of rope

like the kind we made in scouts

so when I get to the other side

I have had an adventure

I want to stop in the middle

hold on to scratchy hemp

look up, down and off into the distance

Yell, “Is anyone there?” and wait for an echo

I want a bridge from my bookshelves

to libraries and used book stores

across the silence between

my kitchen and the porch

I want a bridge in the wilderness

across self distancing to the wilderness

of coffee shops, laughter, music, poetry

sharing nothing that’s essential with my friends

3-26-20