A Knowing Way

He who hears the rippling of rivers in these degenerate days will not utterly despair. - Thoreau

at the clouded pinnacle of a grey day

the world swollen and heavy

i descend the steep bank by the edge of a winding, country road

the carpeting mulch of decaying leaves and dampness softening my desperate, lumbering steps

ducking under innocent branches

treading on crisp, erstwhile sticks of yesteryear

variously delayed by stern, prickly vines

i scan left to right and back again for a path of least resistance

not quite sure where i'm headed

i hear the liquid drone of an obscure river off in the distance

not fully comprehending why, i yearn to be in unconscious proximity

close enough to crouch down and run thirsting fingers through flowing waters

near enough to read the tea leaves of fluvial reflections at the surface

a cordial breeze beckons softly through the barren, late-autumnal woods

whispering repeatedly

this way

come if you will

this way

i am here

draw near

lay your burdens down

with little left to say

heart pounding and moral compass gone astray

i arrive with

a knowing way

Author's Note

“The life in us is like the water in the river. It may rise this year higher than man has ever known it, and flood the parched uplands; even this may be the eventful year, which will drown out all our muskrats. It was not always dry land where we dwell.” - Thoreau

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

I think the Thoreau quote gives a clue to the meaning of this one. The nature imagery that comprises the first part of the poem serves as a relief from the dispiriting news we seem to be getting from many places these days. It's certainly better company than the morning news.

[Pete]

can't put anything past you. thanks j. the b. ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

A marvelous poem sir Pete with good imagery. Lots of things can burden us in life; we need relief and a release. We head to our favorite spots. We find peace, solace and serenity. We are refreshed, hesitant to go back to a cruel world.

[Pete]

spot on observations dear poet. i am drawn to such places like a magnet (a true reminder and refuge of the true north at the core of my being). thank you ever so much ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! A good calling. You are welcome sir Pete.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I believe Thoreau would be most proud of this one, himself. It reads as your best for me, and divulges the caliber of talent I've come to know is there!

[Pete]

wow! i am honored dear poet and friend. keep well and keep listening to music. thank you ... :)