American River

Naked I swim in the American River
chilling my skin, warm to the core
I sunbathe on the rocks

How are people offended by nudity?

She cries ugly at bare breasts
under a tropical waterfall, and I wonder
what could be more beautiful?

Does she hate her own body
under her clothes?

Must she close her eyes
to have sex?

The river carries
antidepressants and painkillers
like an expensive purse

Children run joyously
over the meadow flowers
as a silver fish
is hauled flailing
from the gray reservoir

The river is dammed
where once a man panned gold
among mountains and valleys

I facebook my friends