The River

Slow as mud,
Fast as lightning.
Gentle, soothing,
Violent, frightening.
The earth’s blood,
A stone’s cool breath.

Warm with life,
Cold as death.
A path well know,
To an unknown world.
Near yet distant,
Straight then curled.

As silent as a shadow,
Or louder than a storm.
An eternal shape,
With temporary form.

A river flows forever,
Wild, strong and free.
Until it reaches its goal,
And runs into the sea.

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Taylor V. Hattori, Age 12
All Saints’ Episcopal Day School
Carmel, California
Teacher: Susan Goldsborough