River - Sandy Eastoak

[Larry Robinson]

River

in the dark forest rivers roar,
cutting canyons through the trees.
jagged conifer cliffs soar
& fall to soft willow knees.
obstacles of log & stone
slow the water’s downward dash,
swirling pools where eggs are sown
& baby salmon glint & flash.

under the willows a curving shore
eats soft ripples from the breeze.
boatmen cunningly explore
quiet eddies at their ease.
a heron balances alone,
ignores a turtle’s sudden splash.
she hunts beyond the shallow zone
where baby salmon glint & flash.

such loveliness grew long before
the centuries of human squeeze.
now we struggle to restore
pristine rivers such as these.
where the firs and willows have grown
lovely, thick, tangled & brash,
cool, clear waters purl and drone
so baby salmon glint & flash.

the willows playfully adore
the solemn beauty eagle sees.
where water sings a godly tone
the baby salmon glint & flash.

	- Sandy Eastoak