The River

I am proud to present a guest writer - my son - age 12 - who has written a poem emulating the style of the poet Sandra Cisneros and her poem, Four Skinny Trees.  He chose to compare his sister to a river and he writes in her voice. Anyone who knows his sister, knows he is spot on.

The River

      It is the only one that shares my energy. I am the only one that shares theirs. A babbling brook that sings to everyone and everything around it. One that sweeps you off your feet. That flares up if it hits a problem, refusing to calm down and wash away. From the trail we can hear it, but others just move on and ignore the joy.
      Its energy is its weapon. It wears through everything, and displays tremendous power. It surges forth and tears down rock and cuts a channel through and never quits its motion.
      Let it forget its reason for being, and it would dry up and slip away like raindrops in a desert. Move, move, move rivers say when I sleep. They power me. When I am too tired and sad to keep moving, when I am a slow slug against so many beetles, then it is I look at streams. When there is too much stuff to deal with. One that surges forth despite those that slow it down. One that moves and does not forget to move. One whose only reason is to move and sing.

My daughter came up with the line, when I am a slow slug against so many beetles. :-)

Showing Off

Blue Footed Boobys, Kauai

"Would you look at him, showing off again."
"He is rather impressive."
"Oh hell, anyone could do that. I could do that!"
"Well, why don't you then?"
"I would, but I'm pretty tired -gathering all that nesting material for you."
"Hmph, I bet."
"What's he always coming around here for anyway? Have you been making eyes at him?"
"Of course not! But a girl can look can't she, as you've always said when those chicks go flocking by. I've seen them clacking their little beaks at you."
"Oh that's not true. I never give them a second look, sweetie."
"Hmph. Well anyway, I wasn't really admiring that guy's wing span, I was wishing he'd get out of our territory. I'm trying to nest here!"
"Next time he comes by, I'll chase him away for you. I'll show him. Thinks he can fly around here spreading his tail feathers. .  He's got another think coming!"
"That's right honey; you tell him! We've got a nest to build and I have some eggs to lay . . "
"But won't you miss seeing him?"
"Nope. I've got all the man I need, right here in you."
"Oh sweetie, it's only ever been you. Plus, you're going to be the mother of our chicks! What more could a bird want?"
"Oh honey - I love you."
"I love you too." (mutual head and beak rub).