.

Ever Flowing

Upon the rushing river’s bank I stand,
deep water, ever flowing as it goes.
The turbulence of my life it reflects
as if my mortal pain, it truly knows.

I close my eyes while cruel heartache builds
and boils. It swirls and churns from deep within,
akin to eddies in the river’s course,
all ever flowing seaward as they spin.

A lifetime lived within each second’s tick,
my heart’s emotions ever flowing strong
form rapids, waterfalls, and twisting turns,
which carve deep channels as they sing love’s song.

Though time often appears to stand quite still,
it’s always ever flowing, moving fast;
toward blank tomorrows and the great unknown,
each day it takes us further from the past.

Through waves of dappled light and shadows dark
we chart the river’s course each day anew,
as yearning, ever flowing, on we roll,
to seek the distant rest of oceans, blue.

Before us lies the fear of change and loss—
deep love becomes deep grief when torn apart.
Time’s ever flowing nature is our bane,
yet passing time can mend a broken heart.

My life’s become the river’s equal now,
surviving ever flowing pain and grief
while drawing strength from pools of love and faith,
I cherish moments calm, however brief.

.

.

Dusty Grein is an author, poet, graphics designer, professional editor, and book publisher. Originally from Federal Way, Washington, he currently lives in the hills of central Oregon, where many of his 21 grandchildren occupy much of his free time. When he is not busy writing, editing, and producing books for others, he donates a great deal of his time and graphics talent. In honor of his first-born grandson Eddy, lost to SIDS at 13 weeks old, he creates free memorial images for bereaved families, with a special focus on infant and pregnancy loss. His blog, From Grandpa’s Heart… is followed by fans around the world.

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19 Responses

  6. Cheryl Corey

    The fourth stanza is my favorite. I like the way that you present the theme of life as a river flowing toward the sea, and the way that you carry the theme forward with the words “ever flowing” is nicely done.

    Reply
  7. Allegra Silberstein

    Life truly is a river flowing as you tell us so beautifully. Thank You …Allegra

    Reply
  8. Roy Eugene Peterson

    The analogy of life, or at least aspects of life, to a river is probably as old as humans first saw rivers, but your poem is so beautifully thought out and written. I commend you for the evocative imagery and particularly am taken with your final two lines, “while drawing strength from pools of love and faith, I cherish moments calm, however brief.” That is wonderful writing.

    Reply
    • Dusty Grein

      Thank you, Roy. I agree that life as a river is a well-worn trope, but the flow (sic) stayed strong as I crafted it, so I’m happy with the result.

      Reply
  9. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    Dusty, this is beautiful composition that I am certain will resonate with many… I hear the echoes of my life in the mellifluous flow of the water. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dusty Grein

      Thanks, Susan. As one of my favorites in the SCP family, your comments mean a lot to me.

      Reply
      • Susan Jarvis Bryant

        Dusty, you are most welcome, and I simply must tell you this. I have just written my first sonnet corona in iambic pentameter for my new granddaughter. It was inspired by your superb sonnet corona: “You’re Sixteen Today.” I am thrilled with the way it’s turned out… a poem that wouldn’t exist had it not been for your shining example. Thank you!

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