A New Poem

The river talks
Listen, the river speaks to console
water riffles soft over shore rock
gentle flow, soothing for the soul.
Hear an inspired word, motivating,
stimulating, persuading, urging,
giving direction.

Listen, the river whisper secrets,
wisdom of the ages, common sense,
knowledge flows, data streams.
Hear a song, a melody subdued,
a waltz, a fugue, a jazzy riff,
a bluesy note, than a lighter tune.

Listen, the river shouts joy,
gives thanks and praise,
calls out for truth, justice.
Hear a powerful voice declare
in storm, in flood, in crashing wake,
in slide, in sucking undertoe.
Sometimes a life it takes.