Downstream

themselves around me in big
fluttery wads. Then Ian calls
out in surprise: he’s standing
up in the middle of the river. I
put down my feet and feel silt
squeezing between my toes.
Cautiously I stand up as well
and the water doesn’t even
reach my waist.
The front-crawlers are way
ahead now and even though
this is supposed to be fun I
feel pressure to keep up with
them. Someone is beside me