constructing poetry

the Ghost River

east of Memphis,
the Wolf’s current stops,
breaks into the placid
explosion of life
that is the Ghost River.
I found it, one summer day.
paddled in a canoe through
unchartable channels
lined by river reeds.

cypress stands loomed tall,
their bases pale where
floods have worn their bark away.
I reached to touch them,
felt their scars, marveled
at the juxtaposition between
smooth and rough.

reeds and pond scum
dyed the river
in shades of moss, hiding
fish and snakes
that shared my road.

there was no stillness,
no silence there. shrieks of birds
and buzzing insects
sang a constant melody
that washed at my mind,
freed me from the stress
for an hour or three.

sometimes, when I’m home,
and the sounds of the highway
jar me awake, I remember
the song of the swamp.
I dream the Ghost River.

line count: 33

Prompt for: April 20, 2016 ▼

Subject or Theme: Today is Earth Day. Celebrate an awe inspiring natural wonder near where you live. BE DESCRIPTIVE!! Make us want to put it at the top of our list of places to see!
Word(s) to Include: stress, juxtaposition, at least one color except the following: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, white or black. (In other words, a synonym for one of them!) (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): waterfall, canyon, desert, mountain, tree, beach, water, ocean, view, up, down (or any derivatives, compound or hyphenations of these words)
Additional Parameters: At least 24 lines. Remember, if you do not know a word, or unfamiliar with a word, look it up!
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description.