A Good Stretch of River

[Atehequa]

Standing by a good stretch of River
Densely wooded on either side
Cold, clear swift moving water
Between falls and above settlement
Old river flowing I am yours
Just as the heron, dace and trout

Knowing not words, but only sounds
It is said such places hold no desire
Having no spirit, having no purpose
Being held in compliance to man’s will
Upon more level ground below the falls
Man’s will put into play is sorely evident

It’s good to stand upon unlevel ground
Clear cold fast flow, not hearing a sound
Other than that of the wild and free
River embraced by steep banks and rises
Shaded late morning musings high above
All that eventually flows downstream

Any attempt conceived to describe in words
Falls fast far below wild chirping birds
Futile folly even before pen touches paper
In such places being only a small part
Ever sooths the soul and warms the heart
No better than the heron, dace and trout

[the mingo]

There are spirits in this, Atehequa, as if it were a tree that birds use a moment to light in, looking out at us in quick bird ways from among the branches, looking back at us. They know we are part of what is here. And you brought them here. This is different from anything else you have posted here and I have read all of the things you have offered.

This ... is a seeing. You have taken of the water and of the land and shown a whole. And more - the voice of that whole is your voice.

When you arrived here you did not say "Hi, my name is..." No, your first words were "Calling into your camp..." This is an ancient protocol of this land. You chose to announce your arrival in this manner and no other - back among your "Old Ones", back among your ancestors, back along your line that led to you there is medicine. Medicine people. Not prophets or magicians but "seers" and among those seers there were some who discovered themselves to be healers also.

I know this because flesh gives birth to flesh but only Spirit can give birth to Spirit. There are no coincidences in the Spirit World and you are of that world.

And you are right, this is a good stretch of river.

[dadio]

Good descriptive poem which i enjoyed.

[Atehequa]

Thank you for your kind comments.

Nothing quite like the wild places where one can become a lot smaller and blend in.

[Perdida]

you took me to a serene place, thank you.