River Dawn

 

you jumped in the river
and joined me, you
sailed the house with me through stormy rapids
the bracken waters of the desert
navigated the maze of the jungle canals
plunged headlong down the falls of darkness
till all was upside down and shattered to pieces
and I but a car-wreck

I have crossed the river
so here I lie panting next to you.
the pain is over,
the far bank of the river is the far bank now:
I can see the hole where the foundation was.
I loved her.

our three sweet daughters, so much alike,
have moored the house to the river bank:
let’s tow it up on dry land,
let’s build the new foundations.

I am ready.

but right now, I am panting with exhaustion.
let me look at you.

good morning, my love.