A River's Flow

Where the river laps and licks,

Such eddies swirl at sloping banks

That whisper of slow passage

Through the valley of the years.

A man draws near, bidden by a call

That seems a voice familiar, twinned,

Though separate, both changing and unchanging,

Like the river’s molecules in flow.

Bidden to the edge he kneels,

To run fingers through the motion,

Knowing time and matter fight to master form,

And neither will be victor.

The river bends ahead and disappears,

Into an unknown landscape eastward,

And some day he will venture there.

The river’s churn will take him.

Though what he’ll bring is yet to be defined.

How many of his countless cells,

Through phage will be replaced?

All change, though that’s the least of it.

There is no strong force binding up a soul.

There are no separable elements.

And always, like the river’s wandering journey,

A man can never rest still.

Reviews

[Rosie E C…]

A bit breathtaking, impactful by surprise.

A strong connection to nature and the surroundings.

This piece is mentally challenging to the reader. It is in a good way.

A delightful read and I admire your thought process throughout.

[Dee]

Thanks so much Rosie. I'm glad you found it thought provoking.

[Curly Grace]

Such a calm and thoughtful piece, Dee. I love how you trace the river through the shape of a life. This flows beautifully.

[Dee]

Thanks so much. Coming from someone with such a beautiful relationship with words it's lovely to hear!

[Davidgeo]

There is a song by a band named Incubus called 'further down the river' I think you would like.

[Dee]

I listened to it. You were right. Very chill song :-)

[Davidgeo]

This pleases me

[Davidgeo]

... the song is actually called Aqueous Transmission. This is the best version because doll face is a distraction in person.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQK7KSTQfaw&list=RDeQK7KSTQfaw&start_radio=1

[Dee]

I watched a live performance. The one you shared has clearer instrumentals, made it pop even more. I like a guy called Declan O'Rourke (very different vocalist), but I think he took some inspiration from these guys.