the river and the prayer beads

so still and languid it seemed to lack its purpose at creation

children in playboats drawn by invisible seahorses

even those who had paid the ferryman and knew no debts

no lien against their ledger

for good for evil

becalmed to a man

all waited for the river and the prayer beads to recommence

their reconnoitre

the waterway some giant tentacle of the sea exploring the land

with great tenderness in a caress

mother have ears like foxes

and they weighed heavily their decision

using prayer beads

for they were fond of their creations on the rivers of birth