Replaying the day    
in the creek
with the guy who told her
that country boys have sex
on horseback and yes,
in creeks
refreshing on a hot afternoon
when he taught her how
to use a chain-saw
both of them sweaty
and buggy, bandanas
across their brows
cutting down a truckload
of cedar saplings.
The day pulsed
with adventure
and stamina.   

That was after her husband                            
                           had walked out.
By day’s end she knew:      
                       I am going to do just fine.