Bones In The Undertow

When she hardened with the cold
We would cross her and marvel in her
Winter-white beauty.

Until she awoke
And claimed her first lives, in the spring
And as they roll on the riverbed below
Sustenance reclaimed by the neverending flow.

Now she's stolen another soul
Another captive within her ever
Autumn-black beauty.

And as they roll on the riverbed below
Sustenance reclaimed by the neverending flow
And as they dance on the riverbed below
Nothing but bones in the undertow.

As she creates, so she destroys
Livers of life must always repay
As she creates, so she regains
All whom she feeds she must one day reclaim.

Go, Wanderer! Cross this black stream
Can you smell the distant fires on the horizon?
Can you feel the pull of the unknown mists?
Of the unknown forests stretching into the skyline?

And on this dark day as I cross
This New World Rhine with her own rings of gold
She will whip me and bewail me with the wind
To rip me into her depths, and claim me for herself
As the trees on the shore stand silently and watch.

As I stand out upon the shore
And cry out to the breathing current
Each and every one ‘neath this Maritime sun
Grieves my brother; I must reclaim him.

And so I throw myself to the riverbed below
Resurrection sought in the life-bearing flow
But as I roam on the riverbed below
I see nothing but bones in the undertow.

As she creates, so she destroys
Livers of life must always repay
As she creates, so she destroys
All whom she feeds, she must one day reclaim.