A Poem by Joan McNerney

 

 

Hudson River Memories

I Beginnings

Blue rivers curl over
green grass.
Soft rain and shy winds
combing my hair.

Where was I before
time was born?
My mind tumbles
through memories.

Thick fog smudges
shoreline.
Horns of ships and
rumble from trains
emptying into evening.

When shadows fall,
I explore silvery slips of sleep.
Hudson River glowing
in empty fields.
Dreams of river beds.

II Shadow Boxing

All day long heat
circles Hudson River.
Finally the sun sinks
to its watery chamber.

I want that fiery ring
the sun.
That is what I must have.

Pulled by currents
I buffet waves...
kicking up oozing mud.

Each day after day
treading water.
Losing
trains of thought
within tracks of time.

Falling through golden circles
among black velvet moans.
.

III Eventide

Trees gather in
fragrant rainbows.
Gardens growing
bright vegetables.
Orchards become
sweet with fruits.

I wander through
warm hugs of day
and meet you there.

This much is certain.
Nothing is worth
more than love.
There is never
enough time for love.

We hide memories
in Hudson River banks.
Memories of our time together.

IV Passageway

There is always time.
Always time is there.

I am alone and
possess nothing.
Nothing can be lost
everything is borrowed.

Unraveling thoughts...
thoughts so airy,
as if I could fly.

Fly like magic
hanging a star
over the Hudson River.

No longer seeing
where sky begins
and rivers end.

 

 

 

 

Joan McNerney’s poetry has been included in numerous literary magazines such as Seven Circle Press, Dinner with the Muse, Camel Saloon Books on Blog, Blueline, Vine Leaves, Spectrum, and three Bright Spring Press Anthologies. She has been nominated three times for Best of the Net. Four of her books have been published by fine literary presses. She has recited her work at the National Arts Club, New York City, State University of New York, Oneonta, McNay Art Institute, San Antonio and other distinguished venues. A recent reading was sponsored by the American Academy of Poetry. Her latest title is Having Lunch with the Sky, A.P.D. Press, Albany, New York.