I HEAR THE RIVER CALL MY NAME by Mary Ricketson

I Hear the River Call My Name

--by Mary Ricketson

Hiawassee River winds
where I go to rest my mind
from a hard day of work.
I make my way down to the river.
I walk along the grassy bank.

I gaze at ripples.
Granite boulders grip my mind.
I marvel at their strength.
Branches, leaves, and bits
of trash float downstream.

A steady current gentles
through my mind.
A rush of water splashes
up against an edge of right black dirt
and runs crystal clear.

Dark ripples tear
through the middle.
My raucous thoughts hide
like wild trout hide in the deep.

I slow my pace.
Sounds of running water
rhythm through my thoughts.
I hear the river call my name
and I know what to do.
One by one, I cast my burdens
and watch them float downstream.

from I Hear the River Call My Name
Finishing Line Press, 2007