I cannot bear to lose it.

The water flows so gently

Ever so gently over and between the rocks.

The majestic Farmington

Able to drown and kill hundreds of people

Scourge of the 1950s, frightening in the 2200s

Capable even today of a sudden snap and break 

            Of a simple antique bridge, built to last forever.

Running gently, smoothly past my chair in the shade of a tree

Masked face, distanced friend

That mighty threatening stream of sparkling water

With hopeful anglers casting lines

Hoping to waylay a single beautiful trout

Swimming fleetingly between the rocks,

Hiding in the shade…

Only to be caught and held by soft calloused hands,

As the gentle angler removes the sharp barb and sets it free.

It is not a victim of a brutal end, killed for sport and thrown thoughtfully to one side.

This mighty giant Farmington River raging through the countryside

Has restored itself

Returned to rest peacefully, flowing from town to town

Until it meets its better larger master and is carried out to sea.

Oh, that our nation will survive the flood of hate that permeates the land,

Learn from the river

Let the anger and greed subside.

Then we will live peacefully once more.