At the river crossing - Jim Pascual Agustin

Rocks and boulders
smoothed to roundness by the relentless
rushing of cold mountain waters,
please keep my daughters’
little feet on your firm backs.

Please do not budge as they move
among you, they mean no harm.
They are enchanted
by the river’s song.

They have forgotten
fragility of bone,
softness of flesh,
flow of blood
in their tender bodies.

Please do not betray
their trust in you.
My voice is drowned
by the river’s song.

They are on their own
until they reach shore.

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Jim Pascual Agustin (20th century) The Philippines (South Africa since 1994)
Source: Matangmanok