Early September

This poem is about a day I spent next to the hudson river, trying to figure things out. I was approached by a man that I did not know. During this time I had been dealing with my mind being invaded

Early September, 

By the Hudson River, and a tide that is calm and constant, I sit, elbows on knees. 

On a concrete slab near the guls that patrol the murky waters, things make little sense. 

Brisk winds ahead, make the current rock back and forth, 

Pounding on dark sands that lay flat on the coast line. 

Above; an over cast of grey and blue.

In the distance; The city lay sketched behind a wall of living mist.

They had me distant. Separated From my love, in heart. 

The empty streets of New York at night. 

The scent of water and mist in the air. 

The memory of her sitting by her own body of water, 

im her own beautiful city  

Friends, in New York, walking, I would think. 

On 2nd avenue, toward the billiards that smell of bear and 

crash with the sounds of breaking 9 ball diamonds. 

It sit there, elbows on knees, Beneath strong winds, beside numerous rocks and broken glass, 

Twice denied from meaningful friendships. 

Reacting now to the Chinese stranger that approaches from behind.  

No longer alone, knees stiff, aware of the looming danger of anonymity and intent. 

In a peculating sense of my faculties, I calm myself and welcome the spirit of a man whom knows who i am, 

and where I'm from. 

The vulnerability of it courses through me. Though tense and alarmed as I was, I remind myself to be calm. 

To accept that which I can not control. 

Balancing my desires and will. 

How encouraging were the thoughts of a past life, that I clung to. 

Dear Love, dear open waters, dear moving and living air. 

Let us keep moving. One day I will live amongst you. 

Recycled and everywhere at once. 

living Past life and that which we desperately cling to. 

All will be at peace. Dust off my boots and hit the road.   

Early September

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

A very serene setting along the Hudson( I grew up in Manhattan) vivid images of the sky the shoreline, etc.. a lonely man, can only think of the past, until a stranger finds him and life seems to change, he will move on as time moves and perhaps he won’t feel alone anymore; lots of good metaphors, and thoughts…..
Best
Betty

[Matthew Daalling]

Thank you so much Betty. Your critics are most welcome. You grew up in Manhattan? What streets? Cool, Brooklyn Boy here, thru and thru.

[Betty Hermelee]

73rd and west end Ave……

[Matthew Daalling]

I'm from brooklyn. Good to have a fellow Nyer on here.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you very much

[Matthew Daalling]

Yeah Sunset park, things on this side of the world are crazy but we do our best ya know.

[Chris Shaw]

I do not know this part of the world as I am from the UK but I have an affinity with rivers, so it was interesting to read about the Hudson. I enjoyed your descriptive writing. I was transported to that scene. Many a person has sat contemplating their concerns on the banks of a river. The loneliness was conveyed well. I enjoyed the read. Thank you Matthew.

Chris

[Cherrie Palmer]

Lapping of water and a crisp wind makes a peaceful soundtrack for this laid back and engaging poem.

[willweb]

That was really engaging, I sat at that spot along the river with this poet and saw what he sees. I like that in a poem, this felt real and uncluttered, free and a bit lonely. Really nice

[Matthew Daalling]

Thank you will. I really appreciate that.