Little Inklings 2023

THE RIVER By: Parker Schimel ’28 The birds above my head whisper to each other But the roaring of cars drowns the sounds out Trees grow together, sister and brother Will nature persevere? I’m starting to doubt But the river still flows ‘Cause that’s how it goes It starts with a seed The flower grows tall Getting the sunlight it needs And throughout it all The river still flows ‘Cause that’s how it goes Soil surrounds the plant And roots take their place Nature’s becoming scant Let’s save Earth’s sacred space And the river still flows ‘Cause that’s how it goes Gorillas grow up together Suddenly, they have no home They were once birds of a feather Now they’re living alone But the river still flows ‘Cause that’s how it goes Trees were cut down Fell on the forest floor The bark, rough and brown Becomes soil to grow some more And the river still flows ‘Cause that’s how it goes Leaves, rocks, and dirt Of them, the soil consists We can repair nature’s hurt With peace, not our fists And the river still flows ‘Cause that’s how it goes 8