LAVA FALLS

Beyond and below the spray the rapids growls
Hungrily. Here on the placid tongue we feel at fence,
A time of silence motionless, unreal,
Until the river dragon rears, uncoils,

And down we slide from the right divide of the trough,
Lateral smartly and into the daunting V-wave.
Like forty hefty bailers full-bucketed craving
To waste me with water, this was deluge enough.

Then on to the whirling jungle of churning, seething,
Foaming, grasping, hammering, elemental
Ocean, invading, exploding. The oars relenting
Remained in the oarlocks; the brain and muscles achieving

Aplomb; we skirt the boulder by inches. You’re
Still the boss, Lava, your throne is secure,

(130, October 13, 1993)

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Comments

Colorado river ride.