Hit The Ford At Low Tide Poem by Phillip Nine Mafunga

HIT THE FORD AT LOW TIDE

I thought I would bring the rest to cross before nightfall
Moreover, that none would rest before high tide
Yet the downhill descent was more like a malfunctioning treadmill
Headphones blasting music that would never keep the brain occupied
Yes, all my life I thought I would make them hit the ford at low tide
I see her alone, ankle deep as she wades her way to new horizons
Maybe the young man behind her will too
I pray the youngest of them all will also pick the queue
And make it safely across under my watch
Even as I stand across, in the newness of now
Expecting those among them who care to look
And see the bloom of the future valleys and be spirited
Yes, all my life I thought I would make them hit the ford at low tide
But despite all my prompting, prodding and screaming
The tide rose so high and for them it seemed their end
Was predetermined in the gashing and twisting angry immoral waves
See, all my life I, thought I would make them hit the ford at low tide
My heart bleeds as I watch them gnarled by the merciless immoral tides!
17 August 2022