Albert Bierstadt, “The Golden Gate,” 1900 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
On the strange river of my mind
float golden vessels, unguarded,
sailing to places uncharted,
they glimmer, shimmer,
carrying words and dreams that brighten
then grow dimmer,
as waiting to dock
in an unknown land
filled with wondrous creatures
and glowing sand,
I wake and try to understand.
This is for Secret Keeper’s Writing Challenge.
The prompt words were: Guard/Strange/River/Land/Mind
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Beautiful! and the art too. (K)
Thanks, Kerfe!
beautiful, merril )
Thanks so much, Beth!
This does have the feeling of a dream. But when I read a little more closely, it seems political. Or maybe that’s just me. Lovely either way.
Thank you. That’s funny. I thought this time I was writing something not political–maybe it seeps in anyway. 🙂
Enter that in a competition, it’s brilliant 🙂
How kind of you! Thank you very much!
like seriousely,.. i love this
Thank you! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know.
Your ship has come in – and it’s filled with golden words, Merril.
That is so sweet, Marian. Thank you!
I like this, Merril, especially the random rhyming. It works beautifully.
Thanks so much, Jane. It’s one of those poems that just came to me (well the first line and idea) when I looked at the prompt words.
I thought the words could almost all fit into a single phrase. It happens like that sometimes 🙂
Yes, it’s wonderful when it does–even though it almost seems too easy. I guess sometimes the Muse gives one a gift. 🙂
I know what you mean. That’s why I chose not to take the easy route this time. If it’s easy there’s probably something wrong with it 🙂
This was such a special painting to gaze upon, Merril. Your words are enchanting and hold such warmth within them.
I like to look at the floor of my car, at the end of summer with the pebbles and sand from time spent up on Lake Erie. I like when there is a fire in a large metal canister by a sidewalk, like yesterday evening, where my grandsons, oldest daughter, her boyfriend and I took our gloves off at the zoo and warmed our hands.
This warmed my heart, I can hear my Grandpa Walter Mattson saying “the cockles of my heart” ❤
Thank you, Robin! The poem came from the prompt words, and then I found the painting afterward. I’m glad it evoked some nice memories for you.
Well, your words were magical, Merril. Enchanting us with mentioning glimmering, shimmering golden vessels. 🙂 By saying “glowing sands,” the words radiated warmth.
Then, sand on the floor of a car may not be magical except to someone who spent time with little ones whose feet brought sand into her car.
Thank you, Robin. Magic comes in many forms! 🙂
You are so creative. Where do you get your ideas? I enjoy your writings. And the artwork is cool, too.
Thank you very much. I’m happy to know you enjoy my work.
Who knows where ideas come from? They just do. 🙂
As for the painting, I found it after I wrote the poem. It is splendid, isn’t it?
‘On the strange river of my mind’ love this 🙂
Thanks Janice. I saw the words and that’s what came out immediately. 🙂
Like the mythical or mystical seen through a mist. Reading this, I felt like I was there in your dream.
Thank you, Ken! That’s lovely.
I’m glad you got that feeling from the poem.
This is brilliant and lovely, and there is something magical about it as well. ❤ Love it.
Aww–thanks so much, Robin. 🙂
I see a lot going on in this words … the imagery, the racing mind, history, and more … and all in the form of a poem.
Thank you, Frank.
There is always a lot going on in my head. 😉
… and you brought them together very well in this one.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Love this, Merril and the photo is perfect. It always amazes me how so few words say so much!
Thank you, Kathy!
I really liked this painting, too. I found it after I wrote the poem.
That’s amazing. I think the painting found you😊
What a cool thought! 🙂
oh I was swept away from the first line Merryl. Thank you
Merril!! Sorry
🙂
Thank you so much, Damien!
Beautiful, Merril! I wish I was as good as you are at finding photography images, too.
Thank you, Luanne. I was pleased with this one, too.
I just go to Wikipedia and type something into the search box. I don’t always find a good image, but sometimes it works. 🙂
It’s stunning.
Thank you. I really value your opinion, so I’m so glad you think so. 🙂
Beautifully expressed 🙂
Thank you so much! Thank you for reading and commenting!