The unstoppable nature of love
The poem likens love to a powerful river. The author emphasizes the resilience and nurturing aspect of love, urging people to embrace its journey.
I was inspired to write this poem after visiting the Daly River, in the Northern Territory, Australia in my motorhome. My visit was at the tail end of the wet season, and a cyclone that had recently flooded through northern Australia in early 2011. Many homes and businesses in my hometown of Brisbane, Queensland, were damaged in the flood.
Once the flood subsided, volunteers came in the thousands to help the families and businesses clean up their properties, covered in thick mud. Soon after Brisbane flooded, Christchurch was hit by an earthquake, and Japan was hit by a tsunami. Watching thousands of strangers in Brisbane and the world showing love and care for their fellow man was heartwarming. Love wins out at the end of the day!
After hiking up a nearby mountain, Daly River, the view was spectacular, how the mighty river wound its way, like a snake, through the landscape. Though I have included a person swimming across the river in the text of this poem, swimming in the Daly River, with the resident crocodiles, it is not recommended during the wet season! Beverley Joy
Listen HERE – Poem – Love Flows Like a River
Have you ever watched how a river flows?
Deep and wide, with a strong undertow
As it flows downstream it nourishes
Plantlife and creatures that live alongside.
Nothing can stop it from reaching the ocean
From a trickle to a river, it builds with motion
Even dam walls hold only their measure
The River’s purpose and destiny are sure.
A wall of rock may slow the river’s flow
But the river’s strength will eventually win
Flowing over, around or through the obstruction
To continue its journey toward the ocean.
The foliage and creatures that flow down-stream
Trust the river to take them to their destiny
They swim with the river and embrace the journey
Leaves dancing across the river surface.
Some people drive in from the river shore
And swim upstream against the river flow
Attempting to cross to the other side
In their own strength against the river’s might.
“Swim against me and you will tire and fail”
The river rumbles at mankind, so frail
“Turn around and float with me,
I will help you to reach your destiny.”
Love flows like a river out into our world
It will not be stopped by the obstacles of life
We can slow it down or hold it back for a time
But the river of love will find a way through or around.
Love rumbles its message to mankind
“If you swim against me, you will tire and fail
Come, swim with me, embrace the journey
Flow with love’s Golden Rule of life.”
Beverley Joy © 2011 of Simply Story Poetry. All Rights Reserved.
You can listen to all my poems on several podcast platforms here
Interesting article about Brisbane’s Mud Army of the Flood of January 2011
This poem is available to BUY on a range of products
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Simply Story Poetry 
God brought me to your shore where beauty overcame my soul.
I’m a cathartic writer trying to find her way.
The shores of the St. Johns follows my soul.
I was taken by your expression of poverty and walk upon your shores.
My heart was brought back to a place of joy when reading your poetry by the shore.
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