River

herons in the reeds-
crabs hide under stones after
the overnight rain
–
river rocks-
barbel catfish lurk
in the shadows

cold mountain water-
a riverbed lined with stones
tumbled smooth by time
–
the forest green-
a whispering brook
shares its secrets

a long meander-
river banks bent by the slow
persistence of time
–
weeping willows-
cattails and rushes
bend in the wind

the river of time
flows past this open window
and into my past
–
distant clouds-
a riverbed
of broken earth

pearly morning mist
the crew of eight rows as one
curling flat water
–
bulrushes-
a passing wake
laps the shore

standing on the bridge
cold wind blowing through his coat
patiently waiting
–
a lover’s kiss-
the river opens
to greet the sea