the river

the river

i love the river yet she does not love me
seeking to cover me in a blanket of water
forcing the cold green foam into the heart
stopping the beat that would go on forever
loving the river was never the easy choice
the cost was high and continues to be paid
at a price of body heart mind soul and love
offered piecemeal dangled on barbed hooks
the still the wriggling of fresh flesh or rotted
lips torn face scarred souvenirs of the lives
and each time i withdraw toward the safety
only to be lured back to a cold ghost again
this love consuming every waking moment
even in sleep to dream of a love unrequited