On Becoming the River – A Farewell to Athene

On Becoming The River

A Farewell To Athene

 

You were too young for that cruel embrace
So abruptly torn from the bolt of rare island cloth you
were and wove
Your life undone

Your tribe now gathered in sadness and celebration
Stands upon the cart worn bridge
And with whispered prayers
Your fine bones, powdered ash
Cast as softly as a damsel fly upon the line
Fall peppered on the racing waters below
As we mouth words of love and parting
Tossed handfuls of golden leaves
Float down in soft attendance
Swirl like tresses of your auburn hair
on the currents that flow
Pristine and clear
On this still grey Autumn’s day

The heron bows
The otter plays at your feet
Becoming the river
The salmon leaps
And takes your soul away

David Goff Eveleigh
November 2024