Moving gently, answering the breeze,
floating half submerged, the dead youth lies.
Ripples disturb leaves, reflect unease.

Maid with mind lost, washing to appease,
wading by the bank, adrift, crosswise
moving gently, answering the breeze.

Body noticed only by the trees,
no one seeks him, cares for his demise.
Ripples disturb leaves, reflect unease.

Did he come to please her or to seize?
Did he follow her with tear-filled eyes
moving gently, answering the breeze?

Knife in chest, his blood leaks out and flees.
Watery red reflects the pinking skies,
ripples disturb leaves, reflect unease.

Was it she or he who did displease?
Dawn discovers him, a curlew cries,
moving gently, answering the breeze.
Ripples disturb leaves, reflect unease.
  

                               1 November 2023