Idylls of the Stream

©Matthew Word Bain

I used to row my boat upstream
fighting the flow, making no progress
I’ve learned (I’m learning) to lift my oars
and let the current turn me around
so the prow points downstream
and all I need do is steer

this stretch is tranquil
as will be others
and still I don’t know
what’s around the next bend
and I won’t know until I round it

learning to live without a plan
but with, instead, intention
this is the river I’m floating on
stretching my legs, resting my arms
watching the river emerge ahead
and soaking up the scenery
carried by the current