The Dam

Pent water trembled at the dam

Moonlight shivered at its lip

By the dam I watched all night

And wore a starry cape.

I watched the brown bats slip

Under dawn’s skirt then escape

All their hunting done.

Pent water dimpled at brink

The dam shrugged

Hurled beams, cattle, barns

And cars all in its wake.

--Barbara Spring