we stand in still waters facing the far shore – a poem by Jacob Friesenhahn

we stand in still waters facing the far shore

a river does not always
flood at her narrow
curve but banks burst
where reeds bend
trusting the wind
where soft mud licks
edges slick

a bridge does not always
collapse from rusted beams
tension is sewn into every seam
do not be fooled
by the rivets’ gleam
iron can hide her fatigue
even as she shines

a bone does not always
break where the ache
has settled
but sometimes where sinews
sing of strength

my heart might fracture 
in the center of our embrace
in the clasp of our hands
where our chests come together
where warmth feels forever
and I believe

Jacob Friesenhahn teaches Religious Studies and Philosophy at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. He serves as Program Head for Theology and Spiritual Action. His first book of poems is forthcoming from Kelsay Books.