Where The River Cries

The poet hears the river’s cry
In the flow of waters going by

Ebb and flow, calm and storm
The poet finds the river’s form

In verse – in words that soothe and lift
The river’s wound the water shifts – 

From idle streams on mountain keeps
To waterfalls that never sleep

And brooks that ease through valleys by, 
Which understand the river’s cry,

To the river flowing ever on
To the verse, the poem and the poet’s song – 

Oh, the poet knows the river’s cry
In the verse it lays at waterside

Nearer now than the muse it knows
For the poet knows the verses flow

From the flow of waters going by
Where the river goes, where the river cries
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Radice Avatar
July 8, 2024 at 4:18 AM
Just to add my two thumbs up to all that’s been said below John. Rivers ARE poetry to me. I especially like the ‘musicality’ of this piece and, in particular, the line:” From idle streams on mountain keeps To waterfalls that never sleep”. There’s much thought that has gone into this poem. Cheers - Gary
Oldham Avatar
July 12, 2024 at 3:04 PM
Hey Gary, Thanks for your comments. So glad you liked it. I love the poetry in rivers, too. Such a great metaphor. Best Regards, John
Kulkarni Avatar
May 29, 2024 at 2:27 PM
A pleasing rhythm of lines in your poem, John, mirroring the flow of the river you’ve described here. I’ve experienced that setting where a lively stream meanders. I enjoyed reading your poem!
Oldham Avatar
June 2, 2024 at 4:55 PM
Thank you for your thoughts, Smita. Glad you enjoyed it! Peace, John
Wolf Avatar
May 20, 2024 at 9:18 PM
Truly an awe-inspiring read for me, John. Especially impressive is how you've sustained and embellished the winding, twisting metaphor. Bravo, Gershon
Oldham Avatar
May 23, 2024 at 2:40 PM
Thank you, Gershon. That winding, twisting aspect came out unintentionally - must've just flowed, naturally. Best, John
Bowring Avatar
May 17, 2024 at 11:52 PM
Dear John, this is an outstanding, captivating poem from the first word to the very last. Wonderful flow, like the river itself and perfect rhyme to create poetic, delightful and reflective couplets. I love the opening line especially - well, I love all of them as you get swept along with the rivers journey. Your word flow is so clever. I’ve enjoyed it and admired it so much that I’m faving it too. Very impressed. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you :)
Oldham Avatar
May 18, 2024 at 5:48 PM
Thank you so much for your kind and generous overview of this poem, Christina! I tried so hard to get that flow, too - it took me a long time to get it right. Glad you enjoyed it! Warm Regards, John
Lawless Avatar
May 12, 2024 at 4:04 PM
I shall have to fave this John as it caught me in its flow and carried me to ends forever destination. Beautifully done
Oldham Avatar
May 15, 2024 at 3:39 AM
Happy to hear, John! Thanks for your thoughts.
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