This poem first appeared in Flora/Fauna an internationally curated book of eco-poetry and photography, edited by Pete Taylor and published by Open Shutter Press
I am a river
coiling, curving
flowing ore at first light
jumping the reeds, rushes, sedges
trailing silver ribbons of salmon
I run heavy
with blood, tears, poison
broken hearts of bears
wispy with water hyacinths, damselflies
Listen to my ancient songs
from glacial depths
to tarnished surface
Pay heed as I flood, surge, rage
against jagged cliffs
crack boulders and chisel stone
into sacred chasms
Attend as I light the votive candles
of ten thousand transparent spawn
Kneel as you set sail your paper boats
fleeting as wings of time
I am a river
resolute as the constant stars
my blue veins coursing, coursing
to the thumping heart of the sea
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