Swollen Creek

The rain had stopped that afternoon and

we begged to go out to play.

Stern warnings were given, “Do not go near the creek

for it is surly swollen”.

Darn, we cried, that was where all the adventures were,

frogs & tadpoles & dragonflies & the rope swing,

but we obeyed.

Suddenly, there came a cry for help.

Harry, they said, had gotten to close

and fallen into the swollen creek. All ran to see or help.

Mothers holding their children tight.

Though some had tried to save him,

the current was too swift

and in the end the only outstretched arm to grab him

held him under till his last breath.