Uncle History Sticks His Toe in the River

Uncle History puts his toe in the river
Like most rivers “his”
Heads to sea
Tides rise and fall
He knows what’s going on
All from the piggy who goes to market
He’s sort of like a blind person
Who knows what the fuck’s going on
Because he’s smart
His toes are sharp
The river carries a vow
He hears it through his feet
It’s not unlike the song
Of the snake—
Not unlike
Means both rare
And familiar
Incoming message through toe:
Come closer