Early can’t run.
even in her sleep.

i bring
Early to
the stream
when she
has blood issues
and gently set
her in. for months.

the water
is cold but she
likes it.
three weeks 
since she’s eaten.
five months of
becoming thin.

she stands
and sniffs.
she cannot
swim. she
isn’t old.
Early cannot

eat. she feels

the water

though.

i wrap
her in a
blanket.

so she
cannot breathe.
never run
in her sleep. i
bury Early in it.