Riparian Resplendence

Contemplating rivers: a place where we find the heart of nature’s song, inviting us to listen, feel, and reflect on our own journeys

This poem was first published in Written Tales Chapbook, Volume #10–Nature’s Embrace and inspired by a prompt-based writing challenge from Written Tales that challenged writers to create a 10-word piece, all starting with the same letter.

I wrote: Rivers run rapidly, rustling reeds, rippling reflections, radiating riparian resplendence.

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in the realm where the skies and waters unite 
rivers run rapidly their essence unfurled
the currents cascade with fervent might
through the grand motifs of this riparian world

      and as the rivers run their watery tales weave
      stories on sandy silty looms that sometimes grieve

with each rush a symphony of whispers arise
reeds whispering secrets held within their hollows
as they sway in rhythm nature’s lullabies
tales of distant lands and forgotten sorrows

      and as the rivers run their rustling chorus blends
      harmonizing with the wind creating melodies that transcend

through the gentle caress of their watery touch
the world above mirrored below an ethereal sight 
reflections come alive shimmering as such
where sunlight dances with shadows a mesmerizing delight

      and as the rivers run their reflections entwine 
      carrying dreams and hopes transcending the confines of time

behold the resplendence of this riparian domain 
a sanctuary where life’s tapestry unfurls
where nature’s forces converge a spectacle to attain 
where vibrant hues and shades become a beautiful whirl

      and as the rivers run their radiance gleams 
      illuminating the depths with iridescent beams

oh let us wander along these riverside shores
let us immerse ourselves in this symphony untold
where the soul finds solace where contemplation soars
where the rapid currents guide us where mysteries unfold

      and as the rivers run we find our sanctuary
      plumb our depths achieve enlightenment and clarity 

Author’s Note

• Immigrant Dreams, a collection of 33 poems celebrating the resilience and hope of those who dare to dream beyond borders, is now available in digital, paperback, and hardcover formats at:

  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple | Tolino | Vivlio | Smashwords | Fable | Palace Marketplace | Everand | Tertulia | IngramSpark | Google Play

  • Details and information on signed and free copies are available here.

• My award-winning book of poetry and prose, The Edges, is available in digital and paperback formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, IngramSpark, and Kobo.

Upcoming…

• Poem and essay about an unassuming creature:

  Earth Movers, 15 March 2025

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