The river holds old laughter
beneath its steady frost;
a boy once built his kingdom
then watched the bridge get lost
Years later he returns here
a father in his eyes;
he tells his son of patience
and where the salmon rise
The water speaks in circles
not forward not behind;
it teaches him forgiveness
the hardest peace to find
When sunset oils the current
and hands are joined once more—
the river keeps its promise
to give and to restore