The Old Man Knew The River

The old man knew the river
He’d fish there every day
Shaded by a wide-brim hat
He’d pass the time that way
He'd only keep what he could eat
And whistle with the birds
A song he’d like someone to write
If they could find the words

The old man knew the river
The winding southern arm
On the other bank the horses from
The young O’Malley’s farm
The sun would catch the water
Turn shadows blue and green
He would sit and marvel at
The colours that he'd seen

There were days he would surrender
Set aside his rod
Remove his hat and look out at
The evidence of God
Not the one we lost to war
Or found in any book
The one who’s there to feel and see
The day we stop and look

The old man knew the river
Swam across her as a boy
Made the far bank shivering
Naked but for joy
All these long years later
He’d fish and offer thanks
For plentiful adventures had
Upon the river banks

The old man loved the river
He couldn’t tell you how
But unawares the passing years
Had joined his river now
He'd go there early mornings
Find his favourite spot
Cut his bait and meditate
And feel more than he thought

Sometimes he would surrender
Set aside his rod
Remove his hat and smile up at
The jubilee of God
Not the one we lost to war
Or found in any book
The one who’s there for all to see
The day we stop and look

DL