15-My walk becomes an apology

I’m sorry

to the squirrel
and its dying beech

to the frog eggs
in the pool
in the woods
in this world

to the moss
upon which I walk

to the osprey
for my disturbance

I’m sorry
I’m sorry
I’m sorry

the words come unbidden

all around the pond

this is just the way it is now

---

Poem ©2025 Jen Payne. NaPoWriMo, National Poetry Writing Month. If you like this poem, you can read similar in my books and zines, available from Three Chairs Publishing on my ETSY SHOP. They come autographed, with gratitude and a small gift.