She bravely swam to yonder bank,
but what pluck I roused to wither.
The currents strong, the waters wide,
my valour would not deliver
To cower from our bonding pledge
and to break that seal forever.
I stood alone, a cowering wretch
on the wrong side of the river.
Come sing of me the coward’s song,
let render forth what I’m to be.
Where fools belong, the fool there I,
as clear as truth for all to see.
Of her, her song, I answered not,
though I could hear her verses plea.
‘My love, my love, my darling one,
oh, why have you abandoned me.’
On yonder bank she waits no more
the river now a summer stream.
Where I can simply wade across
twixt her and I and nowt between.
But she, I fear, a long ways gone
as is with time cannot redeem
Turn back the clock, I’ll prove my grit.
None braver than when cowards dream.
-
Author:
Tony Grannell (
Offline) - Published: October 14th, 2026 08:02
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 10
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Teddy.15, Paul Bell, Kevin Hulme, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments6
This begs to be a song my friend. It has the tragic, the betrayal of love when fear is stronger. The ending is masterful in its psychology for cowards are the greatest dreamers. A definite fave again.
Hello, Soren,
Here I am again expressing my gratitude and sincerely, I may add. That you take the time to read and respond keeps me going, interested and enhancing my love and understanding of poetry, that is, in reading your poems and other great poets on this platform. Keeps an old man happy, my friend.
Fond regards,
Tony.
Well we learn from each other Tony I consider you a better poet than I and am grateful for our association. I too an old man am kept happy by reading yours.
Gosh I would have waited for you! How stunning and your last lines wow. None braver than when cowards dream. Stunning 🌹
Hello, Teddy
Your lovely word are very much appreciated. All is well in Chianti, I trust. Never there, beautiful, I'm led to believe.
Fond regards,
Tony.
Put it on your bucket list it's a must see. 🌹
You have a great way with words and the lines flow.
The coward walked away, but he couldn't stay away.
Hello, Paul,
Yes indeed, reliving what could have been. Thank you ever so much for reading and responding.
All the best,
Tony.
Guilt - one of the great motivators. Pity about the timing.
Want me to comment on the quality of the verse? Nah, it's expected of you Tony. Tell us another one, do...
K. Regards, Dave.
Good day, Dave,
Guilt does you no good and the good it can give you is always too late. Once again thank you for dropping by, you're always welcome here.
Do take care now,
Tony.
Faint Heart Never Won etc . A good Write.
Hello, Kevin,
Faint heart and a lifetime of regret - awfully sad. Lovely to hear from you again and thank you ever so much.
Wishing you well.
Tony.
And you. Thank you.b
Ah, Tony, if only hindsight could be exchanged for courage at the moment we actually need it! We'd all be heroes in our own stories. Instead, life has this infuriating habit of teaching us the lesson after the examination. Powerful, my friend.🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Hello, Tristan,
Hindsight, that accursed guilt, 'if only'. I value your visits here with much gratitude, truly.
Fond regards,
Tony.
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