25. SHADOWS ON THE RIVER

Yvonne came from Germany

On vacation

With her lover Thomas

Rented a car

Camped on the Umpqua.

We climbed all over the cliffs

Looking for lost pools.

The sun was hot

The shadows were cool,

The moss so green

The river so blue

And the earth smelled like flowers

And evergreens and thick green grass

And the river whispered in our hearts

Like a friend

We cannot visit nearly often enough.

We linger in the shadows

Of our lives

Amidst city smells

And noise

While the cool whispering river

Is patiently

Awaiting our return.