The Rivers of My Life

The North Fork of the Coeur d' Alene River

Once again National Poetry Month has come to an end. I enjoy and celebrate poetry all year long, but I always focus more on my favorites in April. The last poem I chose is by poet and author William Stafford. I have stood by many rivers during my lifetime.  A river is a good place to pause and reflect on the passage of time as the still beauty of the current passes over the rocks. What I have I done with this life?  I have tried to live it the best I can.

Spokane River

South Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River in Kellogg

Ask Me

Some time when the river is ice ask me
mistakes I have made. Ask me whether
what I have done is my life. Others
have come in their slow way into
my thought, and some have tried to help
or to hurt: ask me what difference
their strongest love or hate has made.

I will listen to what you say.
You and I can turn and look
at the silent river and wait. We know
the current is there, hidden; and there
are comings and goings from miles away
that hold the stillness exactly before us.
What the river says, that is what I say.

William Stafford

Clark Fork River

Kettle River

Chewack River in Winthrop, WA where Everett spent many hours during his childhood.

The Clearwater River