As the water table rises you seep upward

a chilly ghost levitating

fluid limbs spread as the sun heats your body

water pools in finger lakes.


Etching ripples in their wake

water-striders wander the four directions of your surface

grass-kelp undulates, diving beetles plumb

in the hollows of your headwaters.


Lotus roots take hold and deepen

you rise slowly on north-facing feet

white petals burst through your visage

and a broad smile cracks your mud-encrusted face.


Ghost of earth future, risen.