River of Time

composed for my 76th birthday, with deepest love for my wife, children, and grandson

This is a rhyme pattern I think I conceived: aba cddc — calling it the triquadric.

 
And as it must — the river flows
impatient to be onward
as onward — so it goes

‘tween twists and turns
of bolder’d banks — and fate
as though it simply cannot wait
the purpose of its journey burns

into the future does it stretch
at first — but a lazy trickle
‘til a torrent rushes on its fetch

something urgent beckons further
perhaps a vision on the horizon
churns the current to enliven
and stirs to froth its coursing fervor

still it will not — cannot stop
its destiny lies far ahead
its surging power will not drop

over obstacle and barrier
it must deliver its fare downstream
to the very threshold of a dream
its purpose deemed to be a carrier

the dream — is my very life
the river — is my pulsing essence
and yes – the passage had its strife

many ports of wonder I left behind
but I would make this trip again
for the loved ones — and for the friends
and for the beautiful — that shined

also — the river is precious time
and on — and ever on it rolls
as I near the destined end of mine

my heart is scarred — but full of riches
for all I’ve had, lost, n’those I’ve treasured
tears of joy and sorrow flow unmeasured
I pray fate grant my final wishes

to remember it all — when comes my end
in mindful gratitude for ev’ry thing
make strong my spirit – over fear transcend

may I feel my life energy lift and fly
have voice to say thank you for our life
as I gaze into the eyes of my belov’ed wife
with my children and grandson gathered near
to feel the love – when finally comes — my last Goodbye

*
rob kistner © 2023

More star poetry at: dVerse