Into the Night
Lina’s lovely photo Into the Night was in good part the inspiration for this poem though I’ve long identified my life’s journey with a river’s course. That made collaboration here a very natural thing – the way it should be.
Just a note of clarification for those not into Greek mythology – Naiades were the river nymphs – some good, some bad.
In energetic youth, this rushing river of my life
leapt headlong from its source, raced me down
the rapids of relationships and ruined dreams.
Unseasoned and intemperate,
I breathed the spray of heedlessness and
learned to laugh at risk, to claim an intoxicating fix from
broaching rocky outcroppings that this river, in its conceit,
cleft open wide and left behind my wake.
Skimming fast, it carried me past
treacherous shoals, carving easily wide canyons
through shallow minds and permeable pursuits.
But other rivers merged with mine,
and steady, deep, persistent, drove me
beyond the gorges we together forged
into this safely, sheltered harbor
where no heady currents hurried me.
Stagnating, I strained at bindings
of knotty conformities, of land-locked hearts
and tightly anchored spirits.
Now the Naiad calls me yet again,
I hear her current humming,
‘Come swiftly, come be one with me;
we’ll shoot the rapids, navigate cascades,
together brave love’s whirlpools and eddies
waiting just beyond the bend.’
Eager now, I slip the tangled, fraying ropes,
and seeing clear her current flow
by softly filtered moonlight,
I launch my craft undaunted, and
follow her fearlessly into the night.
© Lianne Schneider March 2008
boydmiller
You carry us with you in this current ever downward to the beginning again…all things are cyclical.
lianne replied
Indeed they are – thank you Boyd – to be honest I wasn’t at all sure of this one so it might wind up on the editing table again – lol.
aspectsoftmk
hi lianne….there are some poems that just make my thoughts go wild in the vision of what i see when i read the words…this is one of those times.
Eager now, I slip the tangled, fraying ropes,
and seeing clear her current flow
by softly filtered moonlight,
I launch my craft undaunted, and
follow her fearlessly into the night.
and into the night is one of my favorites of linas’
this is a wonderous journey…...i hope your day has been wonderful…terri
lianne replied
It’s one of mine too Terri – and thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. It is a wondrous journey, my friend, and shoals and all I feel blessed to be on it every single day.
saleire
‘Come swiftly, come be one with me;
we’ll shoot the rapids, navigate cascades,
together brave love’s whirlpools and eddies
waiting just beyond the bend.’
I think I am ready to slip the binds and go with the flow to experience the wonder of the river and let it navigate a path for me to find my freedom and rejoice to break free of the confines of the harbour. A lovely journey…....I enjoyed the flight along the rapids with you my friend.
lianne replied
OH Sal my friend, the journey always has such wonders and surprises in store if we just listen to the “siren” and let the current carry us where it will. I’m glad to have had you along dear friend – the pleasure is all mine. Many thanks – and warm affection
linaji
Now the Naiad calls me yet again,
I hear her current humming,
‘Come swiftly, come be one with me;
ad infinitum …this is where it begins and ends for me dear sweetest of sweet mentor, friend and forever companion…’ thank you’ is like a mustard seed in the breeze, however with luck …I hope it plants itself in your heart so you can feel the absolute appreciation in my knowing of you, your unstoppable talent and the heart that shines through it all… Much Love on this journey I have for you.
lianne replied
Ah Lina, dear friend – the joy was mine, your piece was poetry itself and just evoked what I’ve always known – and you know too – there are rapids and boulders along the way but a river that runs as deep as yours has so much farther still to run. My thanks to you, Lina, for always inspiring, always encouraging, always modeling such artistry.
Dwayne Boyd
Wow, what a ride. That was one heck of a waterslide.
lianne replied
I hope that’s a compliment Dwayne – lol. I has been quite a ride actually. Thank you!
Dwayne Boyd
Noting but good thoughts for you.
Russell Holder
You’ve sent us out… to get water… knowing of the trip to the water park, and in our teenage glee you give us ride after ride of your ardent fervor. I don’t think you need to change a thing! Would Leonardo change ‘the Mona Lisa?’ I think not. “Eager now, I slip the tangled, frayed ropes…” the line of many, meaning the most to me, as you allow me “to slip the bonds of Earth,” lost in the work of a friend.
lianne replied
Russell you are pure treasure to me – I lose myself in your work too. No, I’ll not change it – having reflected, it says what I want it to say and I’m glad you came along for the ride. Thank you so much, dear friend
Jen Whyte
Your words echo the turbulent sweep of the loves in our lives … such a pity I was thrown over the side in the last eddy LOL
Again the purity and simplicity of your words moves me deeply
lianne replied
You’ve just been beached for a moment or two Jen – the chute still awaits and the next raft will be along any time now. Or I’ll pull ashore and pick you up along the way. I had at first another whole section in this poem that probably pertains well to you and me – I’ll share it with you sometime but it seemed unpolished and a tad self-indulgent so I left it out in the final edition. Thank you Jen, so very much!
Megishere
OOOOOOH, That was beautiful!!! What a poem of energy and movement. The current of your words propelled me effortlessly through and I am breathless with the thrill. LOVE IT!
Meg
lianne replied
Oh Meg thank you so very much! Life does have a way of sweeping one along regardless – I’m just along for the ride. I so appreciate your comments.
Gary Crandall
Very effective, Lianne… one can feel the spirit always tugging at its limits… and so quickly the river seems to run its course…
lianne replied
Too true Gary but there is still one last exciting patch to naviagate before we hit the delta, I suspect. There may be a bit of pitch patching the old canoe but it’s still sturdy enough I hope. Thank you!
JoanIreland1970
Very powerful, Lianne. This poem speak volumes!
lianne
Thank you Joan – even aging rivers still have a few rapids to run – lol. I appreciate the comment.
olawunmi
This is lovely! I kept going over it…
lianne replied
You know Summayyah that’s one of the nicest things anyone has ever said – then I know that it has struck a chord! Thank you so very much!