Creek Water and Crawdaddies

For my sister

I wrote this for my sister. This is one my of most perfect childhood memories.


Creek Water and Crawdaddies

If we squashed toes into silky mud
With just the right angle
S  l  o  w  l  y
Side-stepped into the shadow mottled water
Under the willow tree
We got crawdaddies

Slick shiny sable
The length of our childish hands
They matched the shadows cast
By willow leaves on water

The shock of change from sun-warmed water
To shadow hidden-contrasted coolness
Numbed feet and delayed detection

Crawdaddies flailed out of muddy nests
Invaded by toes
Hitting the surface briefly
As often as not
Escaping childish clutching
But when captured evincing squeals
Equal parts triumph and revulsion

Held aloft born in parade triumphant
To grandparents who always gave sufficient
Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhssss to satisfy
And provided tins and margarine tubs
For creek water and crawdaddies
No matter how many cousins presented

In late afternoon we lined the bank
Feet in shadowed water
Mother willow overhead
Comparing mudbugs for size and perfection
Before emancipating them
To excavate new homes and
Minding their own business until
The next invasion