The River-Pilgrim's Prayer

Ezra of the Cleftlands

Before the shaping of Adam,
and older than beast and bird
the Earth was given waters to fathom.

The ocean first, then lakes, and third:
the rivers flowing, fast and slow
and all of life the rivers spurred.

Across all time the river's flow
men great and wise have followed.
Where eddies lead, great cities grow.

By Tiber and Jordan, cities hallowed,
by Thames, and Jordan, by Ebro and Rhine,
no river's banks remain long fallowed.

Thus comes sacred mission mine:
to walk these banks, that I may see
what hath been made by river's shine.

Where waters flow, there shall I be.

This page maintained by Cerian Cantwr, cerian@minstrel.com.