Life as a River

By G. Dean Johnson, Jr.

 

Free flowing and shaping things in its way

Undeterred by no natural structures, it constantly sways

Not stopping for human contaminants, but continuing to flow with nothing to hide

Some watch it float by, while others embrace it and enjoy the high tide

Life can be serene and life can be tough

If you only float through, it will eventually beat you up

So some choose to stop before the end of the ride

For they’re too weathered by storms in which they’ve been tried

Harsh conditions make it callused on the outside but it still flows underneath

Know sometimes you’ll be turned the cold shoulder, but you must grit your teeth

Learn that there are both the low and high levels

Perpetually moving, despite the devils

If you test life’s waters enough, they could quickly pull you under

For it’s a storm within itself, without the lightning and thunder

If you aren’t prepared for its teachings then it will surely drown you

But be equipped for every task and it’ll ultimately crown you

Control your own fate, for it’s sink or swim

Take time to appreciate, and then think to win

Solve life’s problems; don’t just drown them out no matter how hard it might be

For some problems are sharks living under the water that come back to bite ye

Enjoy it alone at times and others with a friend

Just be sure to realize who’ll be with you in the end

Friends and family fervently there for you

Always currently pushing you through

All in all it’s about finding your best combination

You can shine brightly by yourself and reflect your radiation

Memories are brought back that can never be touched

But only in a tangible sense if you think about it much

Life’s high spots can be addicting and are known to trap you

However, in the low spots, nature’s right there to grab you

Sadly though, at some point water becomes stagnant where it lies

And starts flowing from my eyes as another loved one evaporates into the skies.