The Flooded Path
"I searched for a way across/ and hoped to find a rope/ in the shape of a hand"
Today I was running along my usual path.
Splashing through small pools of water
and crunching branches beneath my feet.
...
Beside my path, to the left, runs a creek.
And today, when I looked
I was surprised to see, the murky water
flowing so high and monstrously.
...
And I was unnerved to find
a part of my path
swallowed by the creek.
...
"Should I try to cross?" I wondered.
My path and the one beyond this foe
are calm and certain, but in between
is only uneasy water.
...
"If I am timid and weak
and unprepared to fall
and only sink further
will I only be
a devastated dream?"
...
I searched for a way across
and hoped to find a rope
in the shape of a hand
but it was only me
before the murky stream.
...
"If I am strong and sturdy
and there is nothing to fear
and I'm pulled away, and flow un-near
would I only be
forever grateful?"
...
But it was curiosity
(or perhaps foolishness)
that led my feet through the water
and safely to the other side.
...
Still, there was no one
to witness or praise my triumph.
So silently, I cheered for myself.
...
I looked back and saw
the dark water still flowing
and knew I would face this battle again.
But with power in my stride,
I looked forward and
continued along my path.
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About the Creator
Derek Evers
Hello! I'm Derek, a writer based in Portland, OR. Author of short stories, poetry, and blog posts about the things that interest me. Be kind to yourself and others, always.
IG: deverswriting
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Comments (1)
I absolutely adore your description of the "battle" with the flooding. It sounds silly but it made me think of "if a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound". So, "if I make it across this area will others applaud my effort?" There is something wonderful about the solitude of the moment. I love this line: "If I am timid and weak/and unprepared to fall/and only sink further/will I only be a devasted dream?" Poetry gold in my opinion! Great job :)