The River

It meanders through the city I love

With curve and cleave and grassy rough.

Sometimes muddy sometimes blue

Though sparkling green its best hue.

The weather decides the river’s mood

Placid, turbulent or just subdued.

The rain, the sun, the wind hold sway

The river echoes the weather of the day.

Its banks are often adorned and decked

With weeds and trees and rocky clefts.

With leafy greens and elegant swans

With birds aloft, ducks swim along

Closer to the city, it’s the human scene

The hustle, bustle, man and machine.

Cyclists jostle, pedestrians stride

All along the picturesque riverside

Rowers shout out their rhythm and beat

Tourist boats clutter and compete.

Ducks quack their pleas for feed

While oldies relax on the banks to read

Barbeques are galore on a sunlight day

Laughter and song are on playful display.

Sea gulls hover and beg their share

While children’s shrieks fill the air.

Diners vie for views of the water

Buskers sing for their bread and butter.

Lovers chat in intimate patter

Others sadly lose themselves in social media.   

At times it’s beautiful, at times sublime

Always changing with the time.

Never failing to give joy and space

To those who welcome it’s refreshing embrace.