the old foot bridge

the foot bridge across
the Occoquan is splintered
and rebuilt. a sign tells you
how it was used during
the civil war.
the rush of water
is strong
after so much rain and snow
up north.
you see the new wood
over the old wood.
you see the new nails.
new screws.
the mesh fence where
it's shiny now
next to the rusted
fence.
you are new to this path
too. finding it
in this winter, of walking.
you could easily
climb over the short
wall and be in the water.
swept away. forgotten.
but you don't. you just bought
this five dollar cup
of coffee and it looks
cold down there.
you keep walking.