riverine rite

Thinking of great rivers in Americana like the Mississippi and the Ohio, and of course many other “roads & highways” of their day

“Riverine Rite”

 

cedar planks forget the shore,

as current claims its kill;

What once was spoken,

speaks no more

Beneath the water’s will.

 

They that stepped

from off the bank

were bathed in silver light;

old distinctions slowly sank

into descending night.

 

Between prow and steering oar,

No contract binds the two-

No labels dragged from dusty lore,

No names for what is new.

 

They do not catch each other’s eyes

To find a settled place;

They watch instead, a heron flies,

through stars in outer space.

 

A third thing pulls the heavy raft,

A cold but holy weight;

carving soul in ancient craft

leaving mind in wait. 

For why define a moving tide

Or cage the wind in breath?

They simply journey side-by-side,

Beyond the reach of death.

 

The river shifts, the brothers change,

The banks are never known;

Their path vibrant as is strange,

they’re never left alone.

 

For in the flow where nothing stays,

Their formless bond is free-

A prayer of foam and quiet days

That seeks the boundless sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Reviews

[Lorry]

And as important in this day too, as we are finding out now with all our "new shiny shinies" rocketing in price thanks to Iran control the flow of them all through the straits of Hormuz. I hate to get political but trumps rhetoric isnt having the desired effect and is starting to be shown as a buffoon for trying to control world economies and failing miserably. Im guessing about now he wishes he could just keep his trap shut, but it seems even that would just be wishy thinking on his part too.

[redd Brick Keshner]

I guess that’s where the barge took us. And the timing was spot on, unwittingly. Some may have to back paddle more than others. 🙏🏻🕊️

[Chris Shaw]

Beautiful poetry Freds. Speaks to me of how insignificant we humans are when looking at the natural environment. Each of us, one small person afloat if we are lucky in a wide expanse of powerful moving water. A strong metaphor here. A most enjoyable read.

Chris

[redd Brick Keshner]

Yup, so true, Chris. The river is life, gives it and could also claim it back🙏🏻🕊️
Freds