The Softest Chord

Here the river writes its music
Skims along a silent flow
On a wide, unbroken mirror
Sky above and sky below
Willow trees bow down in homage
The processing suzerain
With a court of vessels in her
Train

River strike the softest chord
And mourn for your love
Weeping waves lapping the shore
Are torn from your love

Here the air is shimmering silver
Casting droplets on the leaves
Peering through a passing spirit
Asking why the lady grieves
River lady, floating gently
Trail your fingers 'cross the miles
Once your laughter made these waters
Smile

River strike the softest chord
The strings of your lyre
Are the rushes 'round the shore
The boat is a pyre
Yield the mirror to the prow
And carry her down
Swirling eddies in her wake
The skirt of her gown

Rivers flow but one direction
Tide may turn, but never time
Now the banks but breathe an echo
Of the river in her prime
What is lost must live in shadows
Slowly sink beside the quay
Glancing back, the future slips
Away

River strike the softest chord
The song of a soul
Run the ever-turning world
Aground on your shoal
But the music in reply
Fades into the trees
And the river lady sighs
And melts in the sea