This poem first appeared in Flora/Fauna an internationally curated book of eco-poetry and photography, edited by Pete Taylor and published by Open Shutter Press

Paper Boats Donna Burke Esgro I am a rivercoiling, curvingflowing ore at first lightjumping the reeds, rushes, sedgestrailing silver ribbons of salmon
I run heavywith blood, tears, poisonbroken hearts of bearswispy with water hyacinths, damselflies
Listen to my ancient songsfrom glacial depthsto tarnished surface
Pay heed as I flood, surge, rageagainst jagged cliffscrack boulders and chisel stoneinto sacred chasms
Attend as I light the votive candlesof ten thousand transparent spawn
Kneel as you set sail your paper boatsfleeting as wings of time
I am a riverresolute as the constant starsmy blue veins coursing, coursingto the thumping heart of the sea

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