Before the river rose, we cared
We cared about the curious bend in the river
Where we skied at dusk on Saturdays
We cared about boat rides
At the crest of dawn and how
The sun can imperceptibly rise and
Then take over the sky
It was if that same sun dropped
In the muddy river and spilled over
Submerging already saturated soil
Rains fall rising to the top of tin roofs
Scorched by noon’s heat
We worry now more about submerged cars
Water more polluted than air
Mud and mildew no amount of Clorox negates
The smell of decay
Cattle that never knew their intentions
We don’t think of the joys of the river anymore
We think how it ruined us
How we rue the day the river rose
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Author:
Katie B. (
Offline) - Published: May 10th, 2026 05:41
- Category: Short story
- Views: 18
- Users favorite of this poem: Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments7
Feels like memory getting washed out by something bigger than it—sweet turns bitter in the same breath.
There’s a quiet mourning in it, like a place you loved turned on you and never said sorry.
Thank you, Thomas
A sad story of natural loss and disaster. Well written in a most poetic and descriptive manner. Well written
Thank you, Soren.
You are most welcome Katie
Katie, this honestly reminded me how quickly nature can shift in the human heart…from sanctuary to source of fear. And yet the earlier love never fully disappears, does it? That tension runs through this entire piece beautifully. Wonderful write, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
The story, perfectly told, of a number of locations in Australia.
Oh wow, never new that.
Oh wow, Clorox in a poem! It's quite horrid when it slimes over and fails to negate at a certain point. Most engaging read, Katie B. 🤩🕊️
Thank you so much, arqios. So glad you enjoyed it!
Most welcome, Katie B. 🙏🕊️
Where I live the river rises ae well causing floods.
Andy
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