I wrote this for a friend that I chat to online quite a bit. He’s a captain on a large tow boat that goes up and down the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers in the USA.
The Riverman
There’s a peace and serenity
that very few ever know
Out on the river
When the sun is hung low .
The sky is streaked in shades of
Red , white and blue
And reflects on the sparkling
Waters around you .
There’s no one else
for miles around
And the hum of the engine
Is the only sound .
It’s a spiritual feeling
That is hard to explain
That’s captured men’s
Hearts even back before Twain .
The River is a mistress
that tempts and beguiles
And draws you in
With her curves and her wiles
Though you love your family
And hate being away
the River keeps on calling
You back to her play .
The throb of the engines
Their power and thrust
Push through her depths
To quench your lust
for the need to control her
Is just so consuming ,
She can make you feel alive
Or she can leave you fuming
She challenges you , excites you
She makes you feel whole
You’ll never tame her
But she’s good for your soul.
Julie Scott 2016