The River

It's about the healing power of Nature.

With shifty eyes to steal beauty 

I went to the river like a thief 

Holding a beggar’s empty bowl 

Craving a morsel of inspiration 

The river was swollen with heavy rains 

And pregnant with promises 

My mind - this old steam engine,

Limping forever forward 

On heavy, rusty wheels, 

Wrestling the arms and hands of time 

To arrive at some perceived destination - 

Came to a sudden, quieting halt 

The water was a goddess’s silk scarf 

Incomprehensible, roaring beauty 

I asked for her secrets to be shown, 

For her mysteries to be revealed 

“Hush, hush child, hush 

You haven’t the words, nor I the need” 

These whispered words came over me like 

A soft, slow hand, taking my soul and placing it 

Gently among the heavy stones 

Lying on the river bank