In River’s Wake

Image: Stainforth-River Irwell

The rains came, fast soaking

already saturated ground

till it could swallow no more;

ten thousand rivulets finding

snow carved ruts and valleys,

racing to join mountain streams,

flooding fields, washing over rocks,

white water on  a gray day--

until even rocks were covered

and all became one churning

river of yellow mud and silt.

Waters recede to a landscape

changed forever; and the resolve

of a people whose fortitude

could not be destroyed.

© Ginny Brannan May 2012

A smaller river flowing into the Connecticut River

Sharing at The Mag #116-they provide the image, we provide the story!
Sharing at d'Verse Poets Pub Open Link Night Week 43.


 In 2011 Hurricane Irene dropped 15'' of rain in Vermont onto already saturated soil, flooding the quiet rivers and streams, destroying homes, historic covered bridges and devastating many villages. Vermonters, a tough breed, are already rebuilding and rebounding!