River Run

Joy binds this river

from the tears
of sadness, joy
binds this river
binds our land
not the years
of woe or madness
not the fears
that swim below
tender drips
the grape to wine
like tiny kisses
from love divine.

Dr T.P. Wilkinson writes, teaches History and English, directs theatre and coaches cricket between the cradles of Heine and Saramago. He is also the author of Church Clothes, Land, Mission and the End of Apartheid in South Africa. Read other articles by T.P..