Riverman

“River Abstract” by Karen Mathison Schmidt

I could not bear to be a river
moved by forces outside my control
by impetuous thrust of my source
by the down-drag and draw of dead gravity

I would flow at my own chosen pace
through landscapes that I alone judge
worth my life-giving pure irrigation
wash only those stones that I love

I would alter direction to save my identity
keep from dissolving in brine of the sea
hold my dignity keeping my memories
handy to those with a freshwater thirst

but no river can ever run sentient
no soul overcome depredations of flesh
there can only be half-heart concessions
to unleavened destinies lacking design