Speed River

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Written about 1998. I was living temporarily with my brother and sister-in-law near Cambridge. Not far was a park in which the Speed River flowed through, which I enjoyed visiting after working until 2AM. I enjoyed the serenity and solitude at that time of night while sitting beside the river. One occasion, this poem was written in that park while I sat beside the river.

Sitting on the bank of the river Speed
Listening to the silence
Of your presence, not here.
Contemplating this overwhelming need
I shout, to no avail
An attempt to drown the roars of my fear.

I walk beside the waters of the River Speed
Listening to the silence
Of your voice, far away.
Wondering if you know the same need
I shout, and call your name
Oh please tell me, you’ll soon come my way.

I dip my hands in the waters of the River Speed
Listening to the silence
Of your hand, not there.
Considering this dreadful aching need
I shout, to quiet the throb
But it echoes louder round me, everywhere.

I watch the flowing of the River Speed
Listening to the silence
Of your sighs, I can’t hear.
Do you really sigh the same sighing need?
I shout, but no sounds emit
But into the river flowing, drops a small tear.

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