Victor Buhagiar Poet Free verse

Echoes of a River

Hush! The rapid river flows
Towards its destination.

I sit on the dry bank watching.
Waves shimmer a dream.
Why is she afraid of streams?
As water glides, I hear whispers.
You’ll drown, you’ll drown.
And I’ll lose you forever.

I hear the weak whisper.
Why do you fear?  You’re strong.
I undress, ready to jump.
Don’t jump, she shouted hoarsely.
You’ll die.  Downstream, someone died.

I tremble, dress again. 
The river hisses: Coward. 
I turn from its voice, 
And walk back home with her,
Our hearts still echo the current.

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Rowena Velasco September 15, 2025 at 6:07 PM I love how this poem shows both fear and courage. It reminds me that true strength isn’t always in taking the leap, but in listening to your heart and protecting the people you love. Life’s currents can be strong, but love and patience guide us safely.

Charles Messina September 13, 2025 at 11:37 AM You made the right choice, my friend. Leave the river to the fishes, walk away and never jump in, unless for a quick dip, of course. Great poem!

CayCay Godwin September 13, 2025 at 11:27 AM Victor, a dramatic read, riveting actually. I was intrigued throughout and enjoyed the styling. Soup Mail. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Hilda Greenhough September 13, 2025 at 10:27 AM I like the theme: always listen to your inner voice. Going home for a nice cup of tea sounds good, doesn't it?

Susan Ashley September 13, 2025 at 8:05 AM Dear Victor, I'm struck by the rich evocative and emotive quality of this intriguing poem. I read this poem as a contrast between temptation, enticement and 'her' intimate, personal plea for the speaker to practice self-restraint and "walk back home with her". Your last line is a haunting finale, the residual undercurrent caused by the temptress river. A fantastic piece! Warmest wishes, my gifted poet friend.. ~Susan

Joseph P. DiMino September 12, 2025 at 3:03 PM I would turn suspicious from any river that spoke. Possessed or alien manipulated. He was right to listen to her. Woman's Intuition. Always right. Interesting write my friend. Enjoyed.

Anne-Lise Andresen September 12, 2025 at 1:51 AM - Maybe he was strong... but the river may be stronger... forces of nature are not a joke... he was not a coward but wise, Victor :) - hugs

Valsa George September 12, 2025 at 1:43 AM These days, we hear of so many cases of unfortunate deaths of youngsters who are lured by adventure and get carried away by the currents of rivers. They ignore every warning and invite death for themselves. Glad, you paid heed to the river's warning. A beautiful poem.

Paige Hind September 11, 2025 at 5:51 PM "Deep" :) I wouldn't go either

sara Etgen-Baker September 11, 2025 at 5:36 PM a powerful metaphor, Victor! Loved 'The river hisses: Coward. I turn from its voice, wishing you a blessed evening, Sara

Yann Rolland September 11, 2025 at 4:03 PM wonderful poem, i can feel the river and the chaos, works as a grand metaphor thanks poet

Andrea Dietrich September 11, 2025 at 3:42 PM Fascinating. Sounds like you have a female voice in your ear.

Paula Goldsmith September 11, 2025 at 2:34 PM "Echoes of a River" is a wonderful write/story. Love your line, "The river hisses: Coward." The water does seem to talk. Great Ending... Have a Blessed day writing away..........

Beryl Edmonds September 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM Echoes of a river, lovely poetry Victor. Rivers flow wild or mild, their echoes rebound in beautiful sound… Beryl

Sally Eslinger September 11, 2025 at 12:15 PM Oh my! A complete poem. A complete scene: inside beings and the surrounding outside scene. Powerful. Bravo! Sorry i’ve been away & can never catch up. Been/am quite ill. Broken back. Surgery to come. Will blog on here about it later today. My love to you.

Kim Rodrigues September 11, 2025 at 10:10 AM You set the scene so sublimely! Perhaps, he is not a coward but loves someone so much. Hugs

Jerrold Prothero September 11, 2025 at 8:54 AM You have a gift for bringing events alive.

Tom Cunningham September 11, 2025 at 8:03 AM I can hear the roar of the rapids, they can be so dangerous. Tom

Eve Roper September 11, 2025 at 7:38 AM inspiring write, I don't swim, so I stay away. I have almost drowned a couple of times in my younger years (stupid people pushing me in.)

Sotto Poet September 11, 2025 at 7:18 AM Impressive, dear Victor! Exceptionally, imbued with profound warmth and compassion. I appreciate the audible and tactile sensations of flowing water from the waterfall or streams. Their inhibitory charges assist the peace of the soul.

Sara Kendrick September 11, 2025 at 4:09 AM Wow!! Great one with so much emotion and feeling. Thanks for sharing it with us. I love the sound and feel of running water from the creek or river. Their negative ions help calm my spirit. Thanks for sharing this one with us. Sara K

Dr. Vandana Sharma September 11, 2025 at 2:28 AM The dilemmas of the river of life!!?