The River
Listen! The river calls,
With the roar of its body
As it rushes forth,
Like a child’s laughter
In the echo of the stones.
“Come”, it sings,
“come ride with me,
Past shadow and light,
Where glints of silver and gold
Play on the surface,
Where emerald reeds sway.”
I descend to the banks,
And place my hand
In its cool brisk flow,
Fingers intertwining
With the cadence of life,
I am forever changed in this touch.

• Christopher Isherwood