A barbed wire fence,
Made its required effort to dissuade.
Silently I chuckled at the attempt;
I wouldn’t be stopped by man’s barricade!
I crossed the pointed rust with respect,
To avoid a painful penalty.
And I stepped into a dream I’d revisit at will,
A place of genuine serenity…
I had to descend a small unstable hill,
To arrive at the river’s edge.
Bible, camera and journal in tow (okay, and a little Mary Jane),
Prepared for when creativity and inspiration begged.
No matter the time of year,
Golden leaves bathing the water’s flow or green all around.
I would journey to commune with my river destination,
Where much of my true self was found.
I remember the feel of the cool waters,
The massage of the gentle, soothing rapids.
I’d close my eyes, surrounded by the suns warmth,
And for a time, all worries ceased to exist.
I never once felt alone,
Although solitude accompanied my escapes.
I knew comfort, peace, and effortless joy.
Therein, I felt sheltered and safe.
Medina is the name given that river,
Residing in small Bandera, Texas.
Most will never pass her way,
She’s a hidden gem, rare and precious.
I shared her with others at times,
Gifting their souls with a glimpse of her beauty.
Yet I often kept her a secret,
A place where God and I could meet quietly.
I ran there whenever I needed to feel,
Cleansing waters wash away life’s stains.
And was comforted to learn I could not taint her,
With my troubles and pains.
I simply felt complete acceptance,
In a sustained embrace filled with healing.
I watched as the water flowed ever forward,
Not backwards, never tarrying.
Nothing could touch me there;
I took leave from my tormentor, fear.
There I could rest, no longer wild,
In God’s serene and entrancing river.
I’m far away now,
Only memories and pictures remain.
I wish I were still close to her
So the waters could kiss my toes again.
Although distance separates us in the physical,
My heart won’t let me forget.
In my mind, I can cross the boundary,
I’d befriended in that barbed wire fence.
I follow the path to the place in my mind,
Where I once savored liberation from chaos.
And I’m transported by the nostalgic calm,
The world tries to tell me is lost.
I dream in brilliance upon remembering,
My beautiful “serenity spot”.
And I now seek to honor her priceless gifts,
By keeping her alive in my mind and heart.
February 2012
©E.D. Allee
journeyinrhyme 
