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Soul River

by Dana Burtin

Cold wind blowing
My soul speak by the rivers
Skin forms goosebumps, body shakes as I shiver
Sand like paste
Mixed with moisture as I lay
I sink like metal in a holster
My soul speaks by the rivers
Oh yes it does
Here, I come to digress
It feels better than love
The sunset relays a message spoken without tongue
Healing my body, depression, and stress
Nature keeps me young
I see a crab walk sideways
Pay attention as it passes by
I feel a natural connection to it
For it is my zodiac sign
The crab seems lost
Should it be in water or land
The crab can’t decide
It remains in the sand
My soul speaks by the rivers
Oh yes it does
Here, I come to digress
It feels better than love

Soul River by Dana Burtin from Tiptoe, The Lit Quarterly (Volume 5 Issue 1). 2021. Used by permission of the author.

About the Author

Dana Burtin, a Cleveland-based author, weaves diverse styles to illuminate profound moral narratives. He also makes music under the moniker LyricalGenes as an artist, songwriter, and producer. Owner of Boyz II Business Entertainment LLC, Dana also does acting and voiceovers and is currently up for “Best Song for Social Change” at The Recording Academy with his song "Heroes of 2020.” With one million views on his YouTube beats channel, an online co-sign from The Black-Eyed Peas’ producer, and a thriving PR business, Dana Burtin stands as a versatile creative force. Follow him on Instagram @dj_is_1.

Write a Poem

Scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson has said, “If every day were Earth Day, we wouldn’t be in the mess we are in.” Write a poem of seven lines (or couplets) imagining a week when every day is Earth Day.