The River

Born in the mountains of hope,
I fell, a trickle;
Becoming a stream, that both
Separated and joined - gave
Meaning and sustained!
I grew with the floods,
To become a mighty river;

A torrent that raged and
Tore through the heart
Of the arid, parched domain.
I was unstoppable; no mortal
Could withstand my power
When at its peak!

But I was assaulted!
Cynicism raised an army!
Her allies; Jealousy, Fear,
Ambivalence, Insecurity
And Doubt travelled with her!
Using their proven skills,
They attacked!

Doubt built a bridge
That spanned my current;
At my lowest ebb.
With perfect timing
Ambivalence was lowered
Into the shallows;
He created a platform
For Insecurity and Fear.
Jealousy, with her special
Poison, joined the fray.

I felt a weakening,
As though my surge
Were dammed and damned;
The passion of my flow
Diverted onto the hungry
Sands of Despondency,
That form the antapex
In the valley of Rancour

I fought hard against the foe
But was abandoned and alone;
Outnumbered, fatally wounded;
I petered out and died!
I will rise again and flow;
Others seeking my power
Will know me; call me,
For my name is well known!