deliberate spinning by the river

did I really see
the rock swallow the twig whole
or was it sleight of hand
from the swift river
playing with light

I would have thought
the mustachioed laughter
from behind the tree
told the spinner’s tale
but for the arcing fish over the falls

emulsified toes
blending with mud and moss
still carry me
to another grotto
for tea and bestial deliberation