River Ruffian

Know well the river ruffian
Puts on a smooth face
In the drowsy summer days
Dabble, drift and dawdle
Around in the lazy eddies.

Swells and bruises in the rain
Boils over ragged boulders
Riffles down gravel glides
Casually claims swimmers
Sneakily spews unwanted
Debris deposits downstream,
Later to be found
High in the tree branches
Or sieved by the reeds.

Dream world of the fisher
Mysterious bubbles and ripples
After dark noises wild
Shrieks, cries and calls.

Know well the river ruffian
Waits forever for our
Frailty, foolishness and faults.

Martin Delemare
8th January 2008