k u .co. mind our y think re #IFeelBetterWhen The River A thousand years this river ran, Alone and lost like me. I climb the rail this empty night, One step will set me free. I throw my phone and watch it fade, The water far below. The words they send won’t hurt me now, They’re just a distant glow. But a little voice says Oh, don’t go, Don’t throw it all away. The love you seek will be with you, Just wait another day. I’m on the edge, the devil’s choice, The two unwelcome worlds. But then a sound behind me and I hold the rail and turn. An old man leans upon the rail, He finds it hard to breathe. He speaks to me with sad, dark eyes, “Son, wait a moment, please”. I want to jump, to get away, But something in his voice. “When I was young, I stood here too, And made a better choice”. And a little voice says Oh, don’t go, Don’t throw it all away. The love you seek will be with you, Just wait another day. He offers me a cup of tea, A biscuit and a chat, And as we walk, and talk of life, I can’t help thinking that, The angels come in many forms, Not just with wings of feather. It’s funny how a friendly face, Can leave me feeling better. Paul Rudman Poetry 84