as a current flows
erosion breaks and bows
the current compass bound
coursing the coastal crown
at last it spills into a restless sea
water divides and moves the shore
with channels quick to bank and restore
the simple watercourse repeats
as the world is shaped
a river to a stream

beneath the raging surface
embedded in depths wakeless
the soft mud ensures
the tall grass grows verdant
extending above into the torrent
we hold onto leaves flowing in the entwine
a habitat dwells in this open current
all existence of my kind
populate the shoreline
maintaining the confines
since the river's inception
sustaining a water raging habitation

the very moment we can grasp a willow
the burden is upon us to never let go
the waterways rush high and low
a constant frame works the undertow
whispers travel to tell forbidden tales
fables of impetuous spirits and rebels
the adventurous who climb to the surface
then lost to the evils of a land too vast
the bravest attempt to swim as an outcast
pulled down to be eaten sweet by waters deep

despite the tales
a voice inside implores “let go”
the result either way is a life sentence
to an endlessness into the nothingness
I will be just another fib for the storytellers
every moment to a free chance
will be worth death ‘s acquaintance
the waters deafening roar
the voice demanding freedom’s detour
the essence of life to believe in more
set me free
I let go



Terry D’Arcy-Ryan