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
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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 Gondwana Land on January 22, 2016:
A nice message conveyed by this poem Dave
