THE SUSQUEHANNA

I was exploring the poetry scene in Harrisburg and went to a reading at the MidTown Scholar Bookstore. What a wonderful place in the heart of the capital city! It features many opportunities for local talent to spread their wings, as well as events to improve.

My first trip there was an eye-opener. The guest moderator was Nathaniel Gadsden, who is a noted poet in the area. He has supported the community for decades and was a great choice to fill the role at this function. He didn't just allow readings by attendees, he encouraged us to expand our horizons in what we were comfortable writing. For me, I write about one particular subject (so far) – relationships.

Poetry has been a very personal undertaking. I never really considered putting it out there like my other writing, but it now is going to be my first published work. How funny.

Anyway....

Nate gave us an exercise that I never attempted before – to write about something outside of my normal topic. He asked us to put a few lines on paper about the Susquehanna River. It goes against my grain multiple ways. It's SHORT, isn't about heartache, heartbreak, or the joy of someone special.

And yet, I like it, so here ya go!

The River flows, timeless
Slowly, softly, she passes by
A friendly neighbor
to all she sees

People come, people go
The Susquehanna stays
A constant reminder
the more things change

the more she stays the same