Crossing the River - a Poem About Restoration

David writes a poem here which symbolizes the ability to find healing and restoration.

The River, near to where I stayed

Many Rivers To Cross

You may have heard the song 'Too Many Rivers To Cross' written and performed by Jimmy Cliff in 1969. It was recorded and sung by various other artists such as John Lennon, Harry Nilsson and Joe Cocker.

This poem is about how we have rivers in our lives to cross that can be equated with the difficult and trying circumstances we sometimes find ourselves in.

Recently I went to stay with people near a river and spent some time walking on the banks and enjoying its tranquility and observing high and low tides and other variables.

Being there inspired me to write this poem from my own experience of having been in a low during the winter of last year. I emerged from the low and gained strength through becoming more active as well as an improvement in health and well-being. I was pleasantly surprised by this.

The poem offers up a hope that once we've crossed a seemingly impossible river, life on the other side is better. It isn't about death but about staying alive and wellness. No doubt there are other rivers to cross; being in a place of strength helps us to cope with new challenges.

Crossing The River

On a road

to a place

with a river

bathed in afternoon sunlight

where craft go by

and children play

in warm sun

feet plopping in mud

The river meanders

on its long, slow winding way

the ebb and flow

of tides ever constant

currents moving strong or weak

as birds fish for prey

day, night come and go

There seems in the voyage

I undertake in this life

that I must cross the river

to the other side

at various stations

I chance on the way

when one juncture ends

another begins

It was at this last time

a muddy course -

I could not see well

which way to go

for all the debris

blocking my way…

Then I went through

into clearer water

and new strength came

suddenly I knew there was more -

the tiredness had passed

the gloom lifted

I could move on at last

The river

is there

it draws me

with it’s comforting calm

the tides enlivening

I love to sit and watch it flow

Knowing there will always

be new rivers to cross

some wide and deep

others narrow

I can’t be stuck forever

on one side

at some time I must go over

to a better place

where the fog has lifted

endless open space lies before me

I take one step

soon I’m moving onwards…

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2016 David Edward Lynch

Comments

David Edward Lynch (author) from Port Elizabeth, South Africa on February 20, 2016:

Thank you Surabhi Kaura for your encouraging comment. Poetry is a good way of expressing oneself.

Surabhi Kaura on February 19, 2016:

What a beautiful poem. Loved it! Thank you fo writing, Sir.

David Edward Lynch (author) from Port Elizabeth, South Africa on February 16, 2016:

Thanks for your kind comments CrisSp and for visiting my hub.

CrisSp from Sky Is The Limit Adventure on February 16, 2016:

Exquisitely written and just right for anyone who's on the journey to discovering what else is in store after some hardships but with hopeful thoughts.

Very thought provoking. Great images.

David Edward Lynch (author) from Port Elizabeth, South Africa on January 23, 2016:

Thanks DDE for your encouraging comment.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on January 23, 2016:

A great message from this beautiful poem

David Edward Lynch (author) from Port Elizabeth, South Africa on January 22, 2016:

Thanks whonu, it's good to get positive feedback on one's writings, David.

whonunuwho from United States on January 22, 2016:

This was moving and well written my friend. A heartfelt message in your work. whonu

David Edward Lynch (author) from Port Elizabeth, South Africa on January 22, 2016:

Thanks John for your comment on this poem.

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on January 22, 2016:

A nice message conveyed by this poem Dave