Listless As a Lazy River

I’m listless as a lazy river
barely lapping at the shore.
I wanted once to find the ocean,
but I don’t care any more.

Would I even make a ripple
if a stone were tossed my way?
Even with the frogs and fishies
I no longer wish to play.

I’ve lost my course and lie inert
inside my riverbed.
Had I legs to help me run,
I think they’d be as lead.

So spiritless and dull am I.
I’m like the kite I see 
motionless each breeze-less day,
stuck and hanging from a tree.

Languor sure did overtake me,
for this humid, hot July
sucked out all my energy.
I think perhaps I’ll simply die.


Posted Aug. 3, 2022
For Hilo Poet's Simile Poetry Contest
Submitted Jan. 31, 2023 for Julia Ward's 
Your Favourite Rhyming Poem From The Second Half Of 2022 Poetry Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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La France Avatar
August 16, 2022 at 3:44 PM
Andrea, beautiful writing and congratulations on your win in the contest, blessings ~Constance
Kauffman Avatar
August 16, 2022 at 9:23 AM
Really delightful Andrea. Wonderful images of listless - "had I had legs to help me run, I think they'd be as lead." Congratulations on your win!
Alex Avatar
August 15, 2022 at 9:09 AM
Comparing oneself with the lazy river. So beautifully done. Congratulations!
Miller Avatar
August 14, 2022 at 9:59 AM
A Big congratulations, I missed this one; truly wonderful writing
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 13, 2022 at 2:13 PM
I am happy this great poem got you a podium win Andrea. Congratulations! Blessings xxoo
Dutta Avatar
August 13, 2022 at 11:36 AM
GREAT POEM I admire. Congrats to win. Love.
Fowler Avatar
August 13, 2022 at 10:36 AM
Oh wow - I don't know how I missed this before Andrea. Superb write! Congratulations on your win! Linda
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
August 13, 2022 at 9:29 AM
Your genteel touch moments every line, Andrea, a natural Fave! Thanks for your participation and my compliments on your high placement in my contest, Aloha~William
Baker Avatar
August 9, 2022 at 1:34 PM
Great simile poem, for the contest. Your descriptions from the river perspective was right on. Thanks for sharing you poetry with us my friend. Hugs, Bill
Marcum Wong Avatar
August 8, 2022 at 8:23 AM
Andrea, you have expressed exactly what the muggy humid weather does to many of us, sapping our energy. My brother told me it was 90° at his place at 6pm. tonight. Another reason I love autumn so much. Great writing! Blessings xxoo
Poet Avatar
August 6, 2022 at 3:55 PM
Andrea, when the air temperature rises, the standoff will end, and the placid stream will flow smoothly, caressing and thrashing the coastline! The melody is heartbreaking, and the beat is stunning!
Martin Avatar
August 6, 2022 at 12:16 PM
Andrea, I like the entire poem, but I think the first stanza says it all. The following stanzas amplify and add texture and shape but hope it doesn't mean you've lost your creative "Mojo." Write on, Terry
Rodrigues Avatar
August 5, 2022 at 3:35 PM
The breath knocked out. Wonderful, Andrea!
John Avatar
August 5, 2022 at 3:56 AM
Some wonderful expression. I like this one, Andrea.
Chunn Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 9:59 PM
Another masterful expression of feelings with descriptions that are easy flowing and purposeful. Kinda hot here in Tennessee too! Great job Andrea.
Brul Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 7:33 PM
My kind of poem…flowing like silk, every line is blended with simple harmony. A fave for me.
Canerdy Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 1:57 PM
Mama said there'd be days like this! This is an excellent, expressive poem, Andrea! Janice
Leffanta Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 11:58 AM
An easy read, and I think one of your best, so I Fav'd it!
Dietrich Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 12:49 PM
One of my best? hmmm. Thanks, Rico.
Kendrick Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 8:11 AM
The heat with humidity will wipe a person out even if they stay inside with the AC on. I enjoyed reading this one today. Way to go. Your visit to my page was appreciated. Sara
Pandit Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 6:52 AM
I like this simile of opening line--though poignant is its voice.
Magdalinos Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 5:59 AM
Hello Andrea Dietrich, this is a marvellous poem!Enjoy your day!!
Delaney Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 5:19 AM
I hope this is fiction and that new life will flow into you soon. Big hug, SuZ
George Avatar
August 3, 2022 at 11:29 PM
As seasons change, the stagnation will cease and the torpid river will flow gracefully lapping and frothing the shore line.....! Poignant in tone and beautiful in rhythm!
Lawless Avatar
August 3, 2022 at 6:47 PM
the heat seems to slow the ebb and flow of everything....nicely done Andrea, a bit of metaphoric personification....
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