On Saturday

A quiet morning run by the river—before the city fully wakes up

…

On Saturday I went for a run—
It was still dark, and the river lapped
Gently on the shore. It was high tide, so
The mangrove stink had not yet risen, but
I knew it would.
When the sky lightened, the birds started up
And things moved pretty quickly after that.
Down at the rowing club, the skinny teenagers
Carried their boats to the boat ramp and gingerly
Placed them into the brown water, then I was past.
The ferries have diesel engines with a deep tone,
Like a V8 but more massive. They are the kings
Of the river and make the rowers nervous.
The birds watch from the trees.

…

You might also enjoy The Last Sound or the reflective piece Controlled Descent.