River Selkie
Waves from some hidden powerful source
push our canoe
Holding breath, we look around,
wondering, watching
Suddenly a small black head pops up
just ten feet away
Bright eyes curious
Seem to say with a nod “watch this”
Then, mottled back rolling,
a shoosh across the river
So smooth a flight
through the deep water
Til gone like a dream
with only ripples for reminder
A beautiful mystical seal