River of Darkness by Jay Gidwitz
The river of the dark night
overflows its banks
crossing the highway
and rising in the yard
minutes and hours
tick by
one by one
never ending
drops of blackness
spatter on my windows
a stream of shade
slides under the door
the night is long
and so very dark
wet and cold
in the rising tide of winter
will you swim with me
in the blessed darkness
will you baptize me
with your cold fire
dampen my flame
quench my thirst
this night—
this long dark night
wait with me
here in this boat
of darkness cradled
in the river of the dark night
Pamela Olson, 12/21/08
In honor of winter solstice
and the prompt “Winter’s Day”
Artwork by Jay Gidwitz
A memorable journey into the heart of the solstice!
What a beautiful invitation.
I like the imaginary of shadows moving in the dark night, blackness spattering the window, great visual
Gorgeous painting and wonderfully evocative and sensuous poem. I especially like the “will you swim with me”… stanza.
wow! you’ve captured such a dark atmosphere,
full of hidden secrets and desires, this poem
reads like jane eyre.
A marvellous darkness to this, full of mystery.
This is great verse. The haunting quality reminds me of some medieval fortress – an ancient stronghold against the long winter’s night. Is there no roaring fire nor companion to comfort? Just full of possibilities…
Nice one! to honor the winter solstice in all its wet and darkness
A magical journey into the hauntingly familiar change of seasons and time. Lovely work!
Very nice. Will add you site to my list fir those who may want a bit more upbeat than many of mine.
I love the image which accompanies this intriguing poem. Nicely composed.
Wonderful (and ghostly).
LOVE IT!! Esp. will you swim with me…
Oh, yes!
Very visual poetry.
I want to journey along
Merry Christmas to you!
all in a days work
What a fabulous choice for the prompt. This is truly wonderful.
..for a lovely poem many thanks &
A Very Merry Christmas!..