along the river

They say one has to "warm the pen"
But that's not really true
The ink will flow with passionate flame
If only I listen to you

How can I, with impoverished words
Capture the beauty which lies within?
With what aching stride, what longing ears
Can I sing the song my inner self hears?

The clouds, like ice floes, drift apart
Letting the sunshine warm my heart
The trees like dancing children sway
Inviting me to dance today

Along the Big Two Hearted River
Through the burnt-out fields I roam
Ahead of me lies hope and danger
Yet nothing behind can I call home

Step by step I cover the miles
The sun lays to rest in a reddened sky
I have no map for the treasure I seek
Beauty herself is my only guide

Trembling with a forest breeze
Upon a moth's white powdered wings
I look upon a misty lake
While stars, aloof, their anthems sing

Padding through the blanket of green
Duckweed's soft enveloping caress
The moon's bright children dance and run
Laughing with brilliant tenderness

My eyes are drawn to the distant shore
Beyond the craggy, whispering bend
Along the path that rises there
My evening's journey will find its end