What Remains

 

River flows through

unending, swift, changeless

everchanging.  Currents shift

the meandering course.

Near the edges

back flowing eddies spiral

like dreams;

memories dance and sing

in the vortex.

Burbling songs of the stream

get lost in the roar

onrushing on

downstream.

Sunlight stays on the surface

where bubbles rush away.

Reeds by the shore unmoved

yet sway.  Drinking deep

chills my lips.

I glimpse my reflection

as I pull away.

You always show me myself,

but never taste the same

twice.  Each time

I enter you

I am changed

as you change;

love flowing on

remains.

 

 

                                                                -Joshua Putnam

                                                                  (11/21/93)