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WSR Poetry Corner: ‘North River’

January 28, 2023 | 3:46 PM
in ART, OUTDOORS
12
“Looking North at the Hudson River.” Photograph by Tdoranteio via WikiMedia Commons.

“North River”
By Lawrence R. Braverman

Our Hudson today’s
A dark undulating jade.
Sparkling green it shimmers
And shards of electric blue
As small wavelets mirror a sky
Of Persian turquoise too.

And the yellow— gritty yellow
Ghee in the undersurface
Yellow silt, like flakes of snow
In a globe, in your hand
Dancing soft, its drifting sand
In nebulous water
In the soft and thin of winter light.

And half seen, deeper still, an olive bass
Among the tendrilled water nymphs.
Wafting through those clouds of murk
A king of migratory kingdoms
Lazily flicks a fin
To disappear…

Heading north but then drawn south
Our tidal estuary undulates-
The gliding ships, those rocking geese
And soaring gulls whose cries
Ever move a poor heart to joyful beat
The once a week I can…

Leaving our river for mundane tasks
My vision is soothed, clarified; refreshed
Upon glimpsing those manifold levels
Like rainbows enmeshed.

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12 Comments
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Mildred Alpern
Mildred Alpern
2 years ago

Beautiful color palette woven into this movingly descriptive poem of the Hudson.

4
Reply
Eve
Eve
2 years ago

What a beautiful, evocative paean to this natural wonder in our midst. Thank you.

3
Reply
Pat W
Pat W
2 years ago

Lovely

2
Reply
Patrick B
Patrick B
2 years ago

I’m new to commenting but I felt moved to share. What a pleasure to read – and reread this. I read this poem over breakfast this morning – peering out at a view not nearly as wondrous as this lovely piece of poetry presents. The language, imagery, textures and colors this writer presents wove quite the spell. Thank you / great way to start my day.

3
Reply
Barry
Barry
2 years ago

I’ve spent many contemplative moments in Riverside Park, gazing out at the Hudson. I’ve always found it grand but this makes it awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

3
Reply
Majeda
Majeda
2 years ago

Lawrence has put into beautiful words what most of us only view. excellent poetic literature!

3
Reply
Michal
Michal
2 years ago

Captivating and beautiful imagery of the Hudson River. Well done!

3
Reply
John
John
2 years ago

A few moments of peace and tranquility on a busy bus. I am grateful for the beautiful words and the feelings they create.

3
Reply
Joyce
Joyce
2 years ago

Wonderful writing, beautiful poem! How lucky we are to live alongside this drowned estuary! This poems offers mystery & romance to our River. I have always lived near the Hudson, and the this poem resonates with me. I am grateful to hear of it described so poetically.

4
Reply
Armilene Burinescu
Armilene Burinescu
2 years ago

Thank you for capturing our beloved Hudson River so beautifully!

3
Reply
Bob Meyer
Bob Meyer
2 years ago

Larry,

I’ve read this poem a few times and I am very impressed with its lyricism and flow.. like the river. You are a wonderful writer and I often wonder why you have not tried to get some of your writings published.
On 1/29/2023 5:25 AM, L Braverman wrote:

2
Reply
J Meyer
J Meyer
2 years ago

The picture in my head this poem created was so delightful, I felt refreshed after reading it. Thank you for giving me a glimpse of serenity and joy!

1
Reply

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