River Stone

 

Sweet as an Arkansas dulcimer

Smooth as a river stone

The satire of Lemuel Gulliver

A twist of seabirds flown

 

Paints in me a poem

About innocence divine

And the feel of imperfection

Without the need of wine

 

A likeness in a mystery

Comes clear to both meek and strong

Prisoners of history

The wonder of the song

 

Taken high by visions

Up where the gargoyles play

I'm absent without permission

At the ending of the day

 

Transcending superstitions

Holding tight onto fists of sand

Had the strangest premonition

As it sifted through my hands

 

Cast off delusions of grandeur

Your reflection in the glass

Is a shy and timid saviour

With only the time to pass.

 

Chris Hubbard

2020