Note: When the Mississippi River breaks through (it's current path) <br />north of Morganza Spillway, below Baton Rouge, La., this river will become the new Mississippi River. <br /> <br />Grumbling, perverse river...slither straight on... <br />Brown, brown, sniveling river-crone. <br />Snatch up those drifting cypresses and hustle <br />Them haphazardly under bridge supports, to <br />Vanish into bayous even you have never <br />Watered...muddy river hag. <br /> <br />Rogue river-child, did you caper and cavort <br />With your trifles today? Did you haul that <br />Half-sunk hulk down? Down, down, so the <br />Perch can play? Have you crumbled that rusty <br />Barge? Searched that tug yet...drowned it to <br />Travel far away to memory...and fall apart, <br />Rotting? <br /> <br />Muttering russet river, you told the Sun who <br />You're going to meet, didn't you...vile shrew. <br />Maybe you wish to visit a brother, or sister. <br />Perhaps a great, great grandmother. Vied <br />And vying river...you should stay home and <br />Gurgle to the trees. Yes, old vixen, your cackle <br />Only proves the danger of greener pastures. <br /> <br />Rambling tart, do not open the door to a <br />Stranger. A stranger too powerful...strutting a <br />Vimish spirit. And potency. Stay home. Stay <br />In your bed...alone. Why do I still not trust you, <br />Capricious vamp? <br /> <br />Who comes to meet you...for you've changed... <br />Harlot. You are submissive, tranquil, today. <br />Knowing. You are still waiting for that stranger <br />To take you out of your ages-old home. In spite <br />Of bolted and steel-barred restraints. <br /> <br />What will you both take with you when you leave <br />To vanish...changing to something else... <br />Somewhere. And you will see us again... <br />Inconstant gypsy witch-river.<br /><br />elysabeth faslund<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/atchafalaya-river/
