water rising

sometimes
the water rises
slowly.
in quiet soft
inches
around your boot,
you don't
even hear
it coming,
although the birds
warn you,
with their
screeching
in the trees.
it caresses
you, rises
above your ankles
gets cold
as it takes
your knees.
by days end
you are swimming,
searching
for dry land
or a rooftop
with which
to rest
and once more
make a stand.