Memory is held by water

Getting poems ‘out there’ into poetry magazines and onto the ever-growing number of well produced websites can be hard work. It’s a competitive market for today’s poets.  Consequently I am always delighted when I hear from a journal that they have accepted a poem of mine, or even two poems, for publication. I was especially pleased this Autumn to have two poems published by the wonderful Algebra of Owls webzine. And I was double-delighted when this poem went on the win the Editor’s choice award.

Memory is held by water

They sit on the wall of the old town bridge,
                that place of endless departures,
below the high castle walls.

Usually men, mostly at night,
                they are silent, unseen.
This one is young.

His white face looks down between
                black boots as his legs dangle.
He will enter me soon, or walk away.

When he slips in I will hold him close
                but I will not interfere
as he sinks into my depths

I will feel him among my green weeds
                and in my vortices
carry him in undercurrents

with migrating salmon
                over the silt and mud of my bed
to the sea and out on the full tide,

as all the other lads before him
                over countless centuries.
I never know why they choose me.

Maybe because I am dark and very cold
                there is certainty in my currents and eddies,
no chance for a change of mind.

Bitter as brine
                I am always here,
yet I flow forever, east to west,

tidal, so they are sure
                I will carry their cargo out,
take all their weight.

This is what Algebra of Owls guest Editor Clare Shaw said about her top choice for September/October: “This was no easy task – a wonderful bunch of poems with many strong contenders …

“In the end, I chose ‘Memory is held by Water’ with its painful, chilling insights and its stunning restraint. This takes the story of one man in one place, and through the voice of the river, offers us something universal – as disturbing and heartbreaking as the subject demands. In its strangely calm and impersonal sense of compulsion, completion and comfort, it speaks for the people it depicts – with tenderness and respect. A great poem.”  Wow, thanks!

Algebra of Owls is a great place to read a range of top quality contemporary poetry. They aim to publish ‘engaging, accessible poetry from around the world’. Read more here:  

https://algebraofowls.com/