Words&Dirt

Moonlight on the Ōyodo River
Dances same as moonlight on any morning
On any water
The early cold, breath becomes fog
And disappears

Footsteps on the Ōyodo River
Fall same as footsteps on any evening
On any path
The late warmth, day becomes night
And disappears

The sounds of the Ōyodo River
Flow same as sounds on any day
On any river
The midday heat, sweat becomes air
And disappears

My time with the Ōyodo River
Passed same as time in any place
In any life
The seconds ticking, present became past
And disappeared

My heart in the Ōyodo River
Still
Beats same as hearts on any day
Any week
Any year
Any century
The ceaseless pulse, life becomes death
And disappears

Note: This poem was originally published on January 29th, 2025. The original was lost in a database corruption event but I was able to republish on the date below.