Anne Kellas #9 - Tonight the river, Salamanca

Loosed along the slow-moving river
waves and waves of tourists
flood in from who knows where
their shiny shiny boots of leather
backlit against the yellowstone chalk buildings
everything a fire-cracker dance and silver
on the river, ribboning.

In the distance, black sticks, ferries
criss-cross the water-lights.
Dark water holds small boats in place
sails tied down.

Workers bend over their wooden porcelain pavement craft
count the leavings
eat chips with the seagulls
watching the tourists
pour into the river's mouth
their mothership safely out at sea.