announcing gold
Beyond the bullion of an
Afterlife,

There lies within the tale
Of the river
Casting its own light

Touching each moment
Of her skin in
The pale green waters,

Every scent of summer
Billowing across the
Temerity of time

Its swim song a bluster
In its wake ensnaring
Her patience like

All my senses ar’rest
In the flowing canticle
Of shadow and grace.

© K. James Ribble