an afternoon by the East River

"the water's been clean
lately, surprisingly so."
he's in it, knee-deep.

i watch from a safe
distance; squinting, skeptical.
his feet plunge into

muddy sand, making
sucking sounds each time he lifts
them, breaking the seal.

a boat's wake rushes
ashore and my sissy dog
skuttles away quick.

i manage to pick my
feet up (onto my rock-seat)
just in time, thank god.

"what just floated by ?"
"hm. a condom or dead fish ?"
"don't give it much thought."

we share nervous laughs
as i brush myself off and
slip my shoes back on.