Along a Moonlit River

Riverbank & Moonlight

Gurgling happily, mercurial river flirts shamelessly with the moon passing shyly by

Gliding over rocks worn smooth by time, wending round thirsty roots, river gurgles a sigh

A pair of feet, toes splayed in playful kicks, presented for a quick damp caress

Reflecting glassy perfection, milky smooth skin, long blonde tresses, clinging satin dress

Lightly kicking at an errant leaf ticklishly investigating displayed foot’s graceful arch

Lass reclines on the bank, tired feet soaking, resting from a long day’s march

Curious trout nudges pinkish wrinkling toe; perhaps dinner dangles there unaware

Flashing away in a rapid dart; toes neither cicada, nor midge, nor bread to share

Wispy clouds part to unblock crescent moon, foggy tendrils of mist drift on errant breeze

Maiden shivers, withdrawing cold feet, arms wrap wistfully round wind-kissed knees

Comfortable with its silent companion, river wends along its bed, content in its way

Lovelorn maiden watches reflected glory of a goddess as moon treks unerringly towards day

Mournful tune sung: love unrequited, longing innocent lust, burning desire to be understood

Leaning closer to better hear, nearby willow sheds beaded tears ‘neath its boughed hood

Human hearts so frail yet strong, able to contain an entire universe in such a tiny space

Galaxies whirl in inward searching orbs, ever seeking to come out ahead in life’s fleeting race

Splashing trout sends spray of molten silver, droplets a beneficent offering to youthful yearning

Knowing only that humans should learn lazy swimming and days spent in play not earning

Nearby a lurking figure; moon goddess sends a seeking illuminating beam

Encompassing timid lad in halo of shimmering mist, bringing forth in bas relief every seam

Hands tremble In his pocket a ring clutched, in his heart a song, in his chest a beating hammer

Drinking in sight of an angel clothed in silken beauty, thirst quenched by her shining glamour

West wind gently nudges swaying willow whispering “Prod him now or let him go.”

Willow bends a branch, twig tickles an ear, leaf twines in tousled locks shifting to and fro

Crickets begin a serenade, their lilting chorus a song of possibilities endlessly arrayed

Wind hums quietly along as willow whispers “Go to your love, be not afraid.”

Shuffling from ‘neath overhanging willowy boughs, smitten lad steps timidly forth

West wind glides around, cooling caress come again from the frost bitten north

River chuckles to see clenched hands, desperate yearning, longing spilt from deepset eyes

Maiden turns to seek source as shouting cicadas let forth frustrated sighs

Wind snatches at golden billowing locks billowing, knees buckle, tongue caresses dry lips

Silken dress slithers on curves untouched, promising future pleasures as maiden’s heart skips

Shaking with trepidation, fear of rejection plain on strong features, lad approaches lass

Tongue tied, unable to think, lad sinks to kneeling, knees meeting grass

River sings a song of wanderlust cooled as flashing trout jumps, sending ripples forth

Crickets chorus a crescendo of dreams fulfilled, moon winks fondly at blowing wind North

Diamond, small but beautifully faceted, burns a hole in lad’s otherwise empty pocket

Finally pulled forth as stammered professions of love unending dangle in the air like a locket

“Yes, forever and always, yes” she whispers as ring glides smoothly in place

In goddess’s silvery light rapturous wonder shines forth from a blush-warmed face

Lad rises from dew kissed grass to sweep his lass into arms shaking from relief

Stuttering heart unable to countenance his moon-blessed fortune beyond belief

Weeping willow sheds a happier tear, wind whistles a song of requited loving romance

Crickets serenade new lovers, moon shines happily above, river resumes interrupted advance

As newly affianced mates seal their future with kisses, promises of faithful love unending

Slippery trout continues seeking dinner; down the newly contented river wending