River of Words: Poetry

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Prayer

Often have I come to you
In the fitful light of evening
Or the constant sheen of morning
And often have I sought your solace,
River.
Show me the secret of your solitude
That thing, that unknown certain thing
Which has brought you through a hundred shifting seasons
And will bring you through at least a thousand more.
Teach me to be alone through summer, autumn, winter, spring
And still to catch the gleaming sunset
And dance in golden eddies in the shadow of the islands.
Tell me all the secrets of those silent seasons
Or one thing only—
When spring comes, show me how to break the ice.

Alexandra Petri, Age 14
2001 Anacostia Prize Winner
National Cathedral School
Washington, DC
Teacher: Kay Dunkley

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