RIPARIAN.

If you do not find the sanctuary of the
River bank as calming as the locals do
Then you should reconsider living here,
For alongside the old colonial style buildings
Runs a tranquility that most can only dream
About or have to manufacture.

On summer days the trees fly every shade
Of sacred green and evenings a flag of fusain
Gauze through which the stars emerge,
Whilst winter crunches under foot the last
Remnants of autumn’s festival of fallen leaves,
And branches brace the flagging clouds;

For overhung in costume of either skin
Or skeleton this place conspires to help
The spiritless or lover blessed with joy;
Forgiving any thought of penitence,
And furthering the tidal flow of hope
Along its winding modern course.