The river flows beneath crowded streets
water hides bones of forgotten dreams
currents swallow whispers of quiet hope
stones press down on silent hearts
Reflections bend under the broken sky
clouds weep silver over rusted roofs
children fish with hands too empty
catching shadows of what should be
Bridges arch like arms over despair
but no one stops to rest there
feet rush past on uneven stones
blind to the lives below the tide
Old trees lean, roots tangled in sorrow
their leaves tremble with stories unsaid
wind carries fragments of laughter, lost
mixed with cries the night conceals
Lanterns flicker above forgotten docks
flames hold against the ceaseless dark
each spark a rebellion against the current
each breath a quiet claim of life
The river hums the city’s secrets
it knows the weight of unseen grief
and still it moves, relentless, patient
teaching survival even to broken souls
December, 2025
