Boots Pointing Downstream
Out on my morning walk along the Don River
that hour where anything feels possible
It rained last night
the current is loud
the air smells like mud waking up
I love that smell
Mamma nature don’t ask permission
she tears things apart
then hands it back new
There is a tree stuck out there now
middle of the river
was not there two days ago
just dropped in
claimed
The river keeps what it wants
and carries the rest
Takes me straight back
me and my brothers in that water
boots pointing downstream
laughing like nothing could touch us
Small village just east of Toronto
hardwood forest that never seemed to end
a creek cutting through everything we knew
our playground
our escape
the only place that felt safe
Spring pushing in
snow melting
water high and fast
I am nine again
waiting for Saturday
knowing something wild is coming
Conny does not wait
he never did
He jumps first
fully clothed
boots pointing downstream
Scrawny kid
wiry
fearless in a way that makes no sense now
He is yelling
Come on
ride it to the cedars around the bend
grab the first branch
next one will take your head off
Mikey hesitates
like he always does
still jumps
Me
I do not think
I just follow Conny
I always follow Conny
Cold water hits hard
current takes you
no turning back once you are in
We make it
we always made it
pure luck
In those woods
we were kings
That is what beauty looked like
Now I am back here
Don River
Toronto
standing on the bank
That tree still stuck out there
roots torn
caught in the current
Destruction comes fast
takes the breath right out of you
I watched it take you
overdose
just like that
No warning
no branch to grab
The river does not give back what it keeps
So I stand here
and learn something new
how to breathe again
slow
on purpose
I come see you every day
right here in this water
Conny
I stand and watch it move
and I breathe
in
the pause
we were still kids
even after everything
then out
I am still here
My boots are still pointing downstream
I will see you when I see you
Boots pointing downstream
~ Ghrian Shine
Copyright © April 16, 2026