Hold and hold and
hold onto memory, leave
only space for absence
to fill like sediment, for pores
to ache then harden.

Observe its cast,
once fleet and light.
It flowed beside,
wove mystery.

Feel cool calcite
against your skin, how weight
replaces lightness.

Worry the fossil in your hands.
Time’s infinite angles
will make it new,
as a riverbed
changes shape, coursing
toward the sea.