Five days away from Internet and phone
exceeded expectation. We fifteen
had solitude where no one was alone
except for shitting minutes. In between
the rafting, we conversed or dined or slept
without alarms or heartburn. Global news
could not invade us. Nowhere that we stepped
was marked by human past or present use.

The ground beneath me every night felt strong
and giving: sleep was thorough; dreams were sweet.
My body timing never did me wrong –
the urges were appropriate, complete,
and fleeting. Nothing far and not a week
bestowed ideas I hadn’t thought to seek.