Returning to the River

a wanted man

RETURNING TO THE RIVER

Photo by Clint McKoy on Unsplash

I walk barefoot, humbly,
To the river’s edge
Washing my face
In the muddy flow.

I cover my eyes
Obscuring the mirrors
To my soul,
Blacking out the sorrow
That I hold.

I carve our names
In the standing stone
Giving permanence to
The promise we made.

Years ago, beneath the moon
You told me you loved me
While the cold wind blew.

The river was icy
Covered with snow
Your breath was warm
As steam clouds rose.

You gave to me
A ring of gold
To wear on my finger
‘Til you came home
I promised I would be true
To no one, except for you.

You left that night
 A wanted man
Never to return 
To claim my hand.

I waited my life
For a knock at the door
A story in the paper
About your fate,
Captured or dead
I could take.

I am an old woman
With a borrowed heart.
Lamenting your loss
Right from the start.

My cup of grief
Overflows the brim.
I return to the river
To toss the ring in.
©2026 Stephanie M. Vargo