Schism

the river divides
your space and mine
where currents undercut the bank
ripples hide the undertow.

our words erupt freestyle
across the water and tangle
in river gum branches
like giant birds upside down
wings spread, beaks snapping
block a way forward.

on opposite banks
our footprints in the muddy edge.
I watch as you shrink away
my voice diminishes to a whisper.