Al Fournier

When I woke, I was carrying water up a hill.
Dawn’s bright light was behind me. My feet
became aware of the uneven stones and my first
marriage was behind me. A deep part of me knew
this water was needed at the top, but I didn’t know
who needed it or why. I didn’t let the birds or insects
distract me. I barely paused to catch my breath.
It wasn’t until I reached the broad plateau at the top
years later I began to understand midlife was over.
I set the bucket down. The water had evaporated.

Alfred Fournier is the author of King of Beers (2025, Rinky Dink Press) and A Summons on the Wind (2023, Kelsay Books), which was nominated for Eric Hoffer Book Award. His poems and creative nonfiction have appeared in South Florida Poetry Journal, The Indianapolis Review, The Sunlight Press, Delmarva Review, New Flash Fiction Review and elsewhere. Web: alfredfournier.com.