A Lot Like the River

A poem for my brother John (1960-1982)

North Carolina Avenue Bridge, Mason City, Iowa

A Lot Like the River
    
        for my brother John (1960-1982)

Beneath the Carolina bridge, 
a schoolboy had fallen 
beneath the ice.

When they found him, 
downstream, 
the crowd ran 

through traffic to see
his clothes steam. 
The steam rose. 

The fireman held
the boy against 
his body, carried 

him from the river, 
and wrapped his mouth
around the boy’s lips.

I think I know why I can’t 
forget this thing. Forgiveness
isn’t something that happens 

when you’re alone. It happens 
when you have someone,
in your arms, against 

your body, and let go.
A lot like the river 
leaving a schoolboy’s lungs.

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TFP IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE IOWA WRITERS COLLABORATIVE

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