On the bank of a river April 2021

It was a long, dry winter.
It rained a few times.
Two days I slept in full pajamas.
One week in January I got a sunburn
—the pandemic, too.

Too many people faking decisions—
selfish narcissism disguised as good intentions.

If we knew what we were doing
we’d be half-way across the galaxy. #Truth
Instead, police kill the black men and the lonely pray for Q.

Confusion and exasperation.
Please, God, make me matter!



You know...
my therapist told me, “You can get out of the river. Anytime.
Swim to the edge, sit on the bank—watch it all go by." 
He shrugged, “Maybe you’ll see a duck.”

Good advice. It’s what I did.
Haven’t seen a duck, though.
at
poetry , , , , , , , , , , ,

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Heh Aaron,
I saw the duck. A couple of them actually on the banks of the mighty Speed. The Speed River that is. It weaves its way through our pretty little city called Guelph. I know it rhymes with elf but our town has a big heart. Something I think that sets us apart from the surrounding country side. The ducks cry why is it so nice here. I respond because you're here.

All the Best,
Ned Coates - Guelph

April 25, 2021 at 4:49 PM
aabuckley said...

I looked up your beautiful town, Ned. The ducks are lucky! - Aaron

May 2, 2021 at 9:18 PM

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