When the River Runs Free Again...

When the river runs free once more

And herds roam clover-clad rill

When Queen Ann’s lace trims with dainty grace

Fence-row, hollow, field and hill…

When the river runs blue again

Laughing in glimmer so glad

When its song ice-gripped is unchained from its crypt

To pleasure the day-dreaming lad

When the river runs winding and wild

Splashing its way to the sea

When willow and sedge lures lovers to its edge

To revel on heaven’s green knee

When the river runs rampant, released

Washed of winter’s cold remains

The world will be sweet with the dance of bare-feet

And youth running wild in our veins

© Janet Martin