The Catfish and the Universe

Catfish you are strong
Making the river swirl
In a violent dance of blues
As you drive below waves
Your tail-fin endlessly working
Beneath the churning surface

Heading to the capital
On a mysterious voyage
Below high earthy banks
Listening to the sound
Of the distant universe
And its lonely heartbeat

Beautiful dark swimmer
Your dreams are complete
And their meaning clear
As the stars guide you
On this summer night
To the golden city's waters

Carefully bypassing man
To a secret ancient place
That has never changed
The river is a snake
Chaotic, wide and winding
But it can be the bridge

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

Catfish reads somehow ordinary, not known worldwide like
salmon perhaps. But you have created an adventurer, a creature, that endlessly sees and feels everything, everywhere it goes. As to its means of 'travelling',
'Carefully bypassing man
To a secret ancient place
That has never changed
The river is a snake
Chaotic, wide and winding
But it can be the bridge'
Seems the catfish is wise, feels life as it goes, time after time, discovering, learning - a bridge to All, if observed and used. Perhaps. Read twice, can only leave what I feel.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Leigh,
A most philosophical piece of excellently written Poetry that does express hope of a future of Mankind ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[willweb]

This was fun to read and follow along on its journey. Really nicely done.

[Mk.t.g]

Such an enjoyable read, Leigh! Loved the descriptions and straightforward approach.
Mk.t.g

[JessyJacob]

I like all the stanzas, third one looks curious and exciting to listening to the distant universe,and heading to capital. Was missing that voice all these days. Cat fish is with hers He. These flew when I was reading, nicely written its intriguing and ecstatic desires giving rise to, ready for a ride into unleashed adventures. Thank you for sharing your writing.

[grace]

"Listening to the sound of the distant universe and its lonely heartbeat" omg how original.... What a beautiful and a fun to read poem. I loved it!

[Isimbabi]

I'm lost for words. This is a lovely poem. I caught myself catching blues for the catfishes that get caught and are unable to complete their voyage

[Katrina Mckeown]

Love the description of the river in this poem, the river is a magical mystical place and full of heroines and heroes alike.. love the way you portray this.

[barleygirl]

This is the first time I've read a cafe poet who offers such strong analogy, yet it's also clearly straightforward. Usually I don't get nuanced poetry becuz the connections are very vague between the images used & the messages to be planted. I love it when a poet uses strong imagery that's clear & obvious, as you do. I love the catfish's personality as you portray it, strong & unique & following one's own personal medicine thru the stream of life. But as I said in another review, you could pump up your word choices a little bit. Such as in V2: "distant universe" & "lonely heartbeat" are pretty well-used concepts. From the way your message is strongly unique, I feel your word selections could also reflect a similar level of freshness. Just a general observation, but not to detract from your strong poetry presentation overall! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Lisette]

Loved it, one of my faves!