A River Valley Poem by John Dowdall

I'm in a river valley with grassy banks on both sides. This
scene maybe viewed at a vantage from above at any time. But what time? The time people perceive to be when living? A creatures time. Or, the time at the center of the universe. Creation time. There might be a 2D film around the universe reflecting 3D forms within, according to physics but creation is still mysterious to me.

I can imagine the ancient fire rising from pyres all around.
Standing here (now) at the rivers edge, looking through the moving water, to stones and debris below. Changing forms in the swirling silt. Ancient people sensed that they were been watched by the ancient gods. They knew the cyclical nature of seasons, revolving stars and were sustained by cycles of life. And reality was confirmed to be as real as it may be.

Eons ago, human remains were dusted on to this river surface
and I now see my own moving reflection on the surface of the water. My mind's eye glimpses the ancient pallbearers walking away. Dust merges with silt and the river valley will die only when the river stops. A film around the universe may record the life of those who live, though it may never be seen by human eyes.

You can still enjoy the wind against your breath on these windy days. This view is just a tiny glimpse of nature. It is nice to see these mysterious shapes and forms and moving images and waters while walking briskly by. Changes occur and the landscape is forged- to then collapse- and may form again. Everything will die here over eons of time- if the planet lasts, it is a miracle to walk through a river valley - in your own time.