River Bridge

RIVER BRIDGE

Quiet observer:
you guard the river,
whether it rages in foamy fury
against your pillars
or when it gently laps
around your feet.

Wind and rain scrubbed
your knobby reptile skin,
muted your fiery red
into flaky grey.
Still, I sense the heat
that steeled you.

Steadfast guardian:
you reach upwards
to the swaying trees,
always firm amidst
this green exuberance.

Sometimes,
I am strong like you,
peeling face thrust
into the storm.
Sometimes,
I dance in the tree tops
drinking emeralds and gold.

And always,
your strong, clear lines
lead the way,
to the other side.