(after Ode to the Tampon by Sharon Olds)
River Guardian
Elixir Keeper
Hold me and my child
that never took root
until I’m ready
to release her down
to the treatment plant.
Stained and tired from years
of duty you pull
yourself from your chair
when the moon starts to wane
shrug on your high vis
flick on your torch
and venture into
the darkest of caves.
Explorer of unknown territory
you reached the alien
world before any man.
Others came to find
your flag planted
and your footprints set.
Lifelong friend, walk with
me to the finish line.
Grow wrinkles with me
let our hair turn grey
and our bones grow thin
until one evening
when the river has
reached its estuary
you can sit in your chair
as the moon starts to wane
and look down over
lavish forests, polished mountains
and the diamond-studded ocean.
By Louder Than The Storm contributor, Chloe Yates.
