River Of Salvation

as it is

Gutted and fake, half man,

Called into line and tainted,

Your cold-birds have fled.

A coughing horse tires at your side.

My steps are out of season,

More a summery walk along banks.

The fox-trails are closed with web,

Lost with intent, the child`s first angst

Hides in strikes of green.

Holy Mary Mother of God,

This disclaimer will not help.

Reviews

[Ken Simm.]

Has an older religious feel to me Leslie. As if you have picked part of a poetic story. That I like it and it is well written goes without saying. Excellent intelligent work.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

it's almost as if the speaker was looking for the River of Salvation and ended up at a different river, lost course...and wonders why he is standing on the wrong bank...but thinking back over his life, starts to understand the wrong turns in his life...the times of anger, misjudgment...cruelty...
and he wonders if he can start the trail again...and work his way back to the bank he really seeks.
j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This one has the feel of some poor person who has done his best, his duty perhaps, but has been sold down that river. I sort of get feelings of regret and forlorn acceptance tinged with a loss of belief. Walking the river bank seems predetermined and there are no side routes as they are closed off so he can only go forward. Probably so barking up the wrong tree. Love your clipped brief and expressive style as always Leslie.