Ageing

River, gently flowing seaward

Languidly stretches, widens, curls,

Lazily skirts a fallen tree,

Unhurried, contented, gently swirls.

Leaf boat bobs, circling slowly

Meanders through pastoral scene

Under bridges, plunged in gloom

Emerges dappled, glossy green.

Arching trees, cast deeper shadows

Kingfisher poised to dive and strike

Flirting, dancing dace and minnows

Stalked by menacing, hungry pike.

River, unaware of drama

Overhead or deep below,

Welcomes rippling rivulets,

Waterfalls swell the steady flow.

Unceasing motion, spreading

Far from source, the tinkling stream,

Grows, slows, inevitable journey

Towards the eternal, final, dream.

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