The Drowning Game

The Drowning Game

 

As the river flows

She is yet again reborn

Tho her song more softly sung remains

Held fast and forever locked dear heart

In these eternal sodden chains

 

Ah’ but tis so very slow indeed

She meanders her way t’ward thee

Yet unlike any raging flood

She swells like some mere tributary

 

With many would be lovers spared

She whispered thus

As this river

Aches for the sea

I too ache

For your very company

 

Release that straw you clutch she said

Drink long and then breathe deep

Ye shall not drown nor perish here

But rather gently go to sleep

Then dream an angel’s dream with me

 

With that his blouson flung and cast

Into an eddy first and last

He bowed his head

And slipped within

Ne’er to be seen alive again

 

Come morn twas often said

Another wretched drunken lover

Was claimed again last night

Who dared to sup the tears of that

Playful nymphomanic water sprite...

 

Reviews

[emmajoy]

' With many would be lovers spared - She whispered thus- As this river - Aches for the sea .. .. '

A myth with a moral,. perhaps and so gentLy laid. The marriage of old and new creates a bond that's easy to read yet paints sweet scenes, Neville.

[Neville]

Thank you so very much indeed dear emmajoy, these kind words of yours are truly welcome......Neville

[barleygirl]

A very fresh take on the "suicide pact" ideation! I love the way your poem seems to flirt between tantalizing & menacing. I love the way this could be a metaphor for any number of dangerous & alluring games that taunt us thru-out life. Nicely Shakespearean word choices without feeling stilted a bit. This is so creative, it makes me want to try something in a similar vein someday *sigh!* Fondly, Margie

[Neville]

Hey Margie what a delight to have you check this out for me... Yes, I think a number of risky or indeed dangerous pursuits could equally apply...Bless ya again..........N your lil nugget x

[barleygirl]

Often daydreaming about your nuggets *heh! heh! heh!*

[Neville]

And my Epididdy Miss?...........NUG, Nug..........N

[Anise]

I like the mythical quality of this piece and the potent ending is simply to die for.
Well done. Instant classic.

[Neville]

You are far too kind, but I like it......ta very much....Neville

[Anise]

You're welcome! :)

[Mrudula Rani]

The style of writing of The Drowning Game is so lovely and classic, you paint amazingly the spirit of river's mesmerizing power, no wonder in some cultures worship her . She can easily entice some into her flow without a doubt. Here in Brasil the goddess of sea is called lemanja ( candomblé religion).

[Neville]

Mrudula, thanks for these lovely words, the sentiments contained within and religio-cultural enlightenment..........Your visits are always welcome & appreciated..N

[Mrudula Rani]

Muito Obrigada.

[sette]

what a twist towards the end of the poem, so creatively written and really a nice one at that.

[Neville]

Bless ya dear sette, many thanks indeed....N

[sette]

no problem, it is a pleasure

[jacob erin-cilberto]

so easy to get sucked in blindly...the charms of another...but the hidden intentions...ooooh...
i wish i could write like this...the form...so well done.
part way through i was thinking of a line in a Melanie song.."i'm the river's lover, but i'll be the ocean's bride"---
j.

[Neville]

Thank you dear jacob, most kind of you to pause & consider these words of mine........Neville

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

The aching and longing can be painful but it’s good to be able to feel so deep what’s real- I pray the river and sea do meet- wonderfully written🌹

[Neville]

Thank you so very much Thoughts in Time......Neville

[DIVYA]

An intoxicated mind can be caught up in an elaborate illusion...Yet, perhaps there was a sprite in the river that coaxed him to give in to her. A very captivating tale, written with deft strokes of your pen. I enjoyed this read very much, N.

[Neville]

Thank you Divya, most kind......N

[DIVYA]

It is a pleasure N.