“How Swift the Stream”

On By Mike U.In Poetry

“How Swift the Stream”
© 2025 by Michael L. Utley

as gloaming eventide stalks dying light
to ambuscade the remnants of the day
diurnal requiems give way to night
how quick the gloom
eviscerates its prey

regretful skiffs of shame contuse the dusk
as shadows skulking on earth’s wretched rind
asphyxiate its palpitating husk
how cruel the dark
and all it renders blind

the dreams of men have withered into dross
the fruits of hope lie rotting on the vine
of apathy and existential loss
how foul the taste
of sorrow’s bitter wine

the torrents of the years in all their guile
and surreptitious whisperings betray
compassion’s current flows but for a while
how swift the stream
and all it sweeps away

34 thoughts on ““How Swift the Stream””

  1. This is very powerful writing. The imagery, depicted as only you can, pulls one into the emotions of the stanzas. There is feeling as I read, of being held in stasis, waiting to explode with rapturous ovation, to all that is being said.
    Yet I slump low and nod as surreptitious whisperings say…
    I could not have said it any better.
    Well done, Mike. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Nigel. I started this poem a year ago before my latest bout of writer’s block hit. I kept going back to it over the ensuing months, trying to see if I could finish it. Finally wrapped it up tonight. It has my trademark despair, of course (gotta write what I know, right?). Thanks for the kind appraisal, amigo. Much appreciated.

      I received your email and will work on a response and get back to you soon. 😎👍

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Kindest thanks, Maggie. It was a relief to finish this piece. I have a folder with several unfinished poems and I keep going back to it. Hopefully I can bring closure to the remaining pieces so they can see the light (or the gloom, as it were) of day. Always happy to see you visit, my friend. Have a good Tuesday! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. It is always my pleasure Mike.
        Your writing leaves me in awe my friend.
        I am sure you will get those pieces finished at some point.
        Gloom or light my friend, that is how we roll and we are who we are.
        Take good care my friend.
        Happy Tuesday to you.🤗🙏

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Dearest Mike, I can not tell you how happy I am that your block has lifted. I get blocked. It is an awful feeling. This is emotionally explosive writing that grabs the heart, and you feel every word inside. You long to read it a few times as with most of your writing, so as not to miss anything.

    This stanza is truly amazing my friend.

    “the dreams of men have withered into dross
    the fruits of hope lie rotting on the vine
    of apathy and existential loss
    how foul the taste
    of sorrow’s bitter wine”

    I remember this feeling, and still, it rears its ugly head occasionally. When I was a teenager, especially around seventeen years of age. This is just such brilliantly descriptive writing, my friend. Sending our love, hugs, and blessings your way, always. Joni

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Joni. I began this poem a year ago and despite revisiting it about, oh, a million times, I just could get it moving. Last night, it finally budged. It’s shorter than what I usually write, but I knew upon writing the first stanza a year ago that it would be a four-stanza piece. It just felt right to keep it brief. I have several more unfinished poems and I’m hoping they’ll budge, too.

      Always a pleasure to see you stop by and say hello. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, my friend. It keeps me going. Lots of love to you and Scott. 😊

      Like

      Reply

  4. As beautiful as always, my dear friend Mike. You know that I love your writing as well as conversation, thats why I often read your reply to comments too😃 You are wise, my friend✌️😍 Best wishes, always.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, kind friend. Your presence here is always welcome, Saima. Your insightful comments mean a lot to me and I look forward to seeing you stop by. A happy Wednesday to you! (Visit again soon!) 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. I saw in the comments that you started this one a while ago, and yet it feels very timely to me, Mike. Though perhaps in a different way, I feel an existential night encroaching and it’s ravenous. I’m stuck in a current, on the verge of being washed away (by my country).

    On the other hand, I’m so glad your writer’s block is crumbling. That’s great news! Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Diana. Even though I began this poem a year ago, it was always intended to address the present darkness we’re facing here in America. I had a sickening gut feeling for the longest time leading up to the election that evil would prevail and our democracy would fall. So, this poem is about the coming darkness (that is now here) and the dearth of hope we now face. Man, how I wish I’d been wrong… Suffice to say, I understand how you feel. I feel the same way.

      It was good, however, to write a couple of new poems. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. I love that nearly everything you write, sends me (happily) to a dictionary. Today’s word is DROSS! I also love that everything you write, makes me appreciate the dictionaries I have read and re-read over the years. Bravo, sir, for crafting your poetic energy so well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Annette. I have a lot of fun with my poetry as far as word choice is concerned. I’ve been a certified word geek since early childhood, always fascinated with how words look and sound and fit together on the page. There’s more to a word that just its meaning. Putting together word-puzzles to create a poem or story is incredibly satisfying. (Plus, thank goodness for a handy thesaurus!) 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Dave. I was familiar with “dross,” but “ambuscade” was a delightful discovery while checking an online thesaurus during the writing of this poem. It’s got a unique feel to it, I think. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Kindest thanks, Cindy. I’m glad to know this connected with you, my talented friend. It’s been nearly a year since any new poems took wing for me, but a couple have left the nest this week, and that’s exciting. Thanks as always for your generous support, my friend. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  12. It’s obvious that your writer’s block has ‘left the building’ Mike, and you get to grace us with your stunning poetry again! I’m always in awe of your talent, and this verse went straight to my soul:

    the dreams of men have withered into dross
    the fruits of hope lie rotting on the vine
    of apathy and existential loss
    how foul the taste
    of sorrow’s bitter wine

    Amazing poem as always, dear friend! Hugs

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Lauren. I’m hoping for the best regarding the writer’s block. Just trying to pace myself and see what happens. I sincerely appreciate your support, my friend. Have a wonderful rest of the week. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. This poem is superb, Mike! You don’t just write, my friend, you craft. Choosing the words that build vibrant images that evoke emotion. So happy to hear the writer’s block has lifted! Can’t wait to read more. Blessings Mike. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Peggy. I’m relieved, a bit optimistic, but still cautious regarding the writer’s block. Trying to pace myself so I don’t burn out again. Your constant kindness is so welcome, my friend. I admire and respect your writing so much. Here’s hoping this ordinary Thursday becomes extraordinary for you! 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  14. Insightful writing, Mike. (and easy/pleasurable to read)

    Agree, nothing remains, things change; good and bad, kindness and meanness and all opposing energies have their turns.

    The pendulum swings. 🤗

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Resa. I’m excited to know you enjoyed this poem. And you’re right, of course–“the pendulum swings…” Thanks for stopping by to say hello, my friend. A happy weekend to you! 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

Leave a comment