The Water's Bride

Promises

I sang it with instrumental accompaniment here:

Disclosure: Some post processing effects were used. For my raw singing, join us on karaoke.

The river keeps its promises.
It calls through rain and reed.
It speaks beneath the alder roots.
It knows what hearts still need.

A horse stood where the moonlight broke,
Its hide as black as sleet.
Its silver mane caught every star.
No hoof disturbed the peat.

It bowed its gentle head to me.
Its patient eyes were mild.
It breathed as softly as the mist
That gathers round a child.

The river keeps its promises.
It calls through rain and reed.
Beware the things that waters hide.
Beware what rivers need.

“Come home,” rushing water sang.
“Your mother’s fire burns low.
Your father’s voice still fills the hall.
There’s one more road to go.”

I laid my hand upon its neck.
The hair was warm as wool.
The moon looked down through broken reeds
And never looked the same.

The river opened like a mouth.
The horse grew tall and thin.
Its eyes became two water-wells.
No mercy lived within.

Its mane became a drowning weed.
Its teeth were polished bone.
Its laughter rolled beneath the waves
Like stones that grind alone.

The river keeps its promises.
It calls through rain and reed.
Beware the things that waters hide.
Beware what rivers need.

The current curled around my ribs.
Cold fingers stole my breath.
The river kissed me one last time
With lips as cold as death.

Now children hear me after dusk
Where willow branches bend.
I call with every borrowed voice
Of sister, father, friend.

The river keeps its promises.
It never gives them back.
So leave the horse beside the ford.
And never cross its track.

Thanks for reading.

If you like what I do, help me hit 1500 subscribers by September 1st.

If you are already subscribed, consider helping me do this full-time.