The river here runs slow and deep br The banks on either side are steep br and covered well with foliage. br Through which small creatures slyly creep. br br The price of life is vigilance br they can’t afford to take a chance br The brambles form an airy cage br through which they cast a wary glance. br br Instinctively they know to hide br for danger lurks on every side br They have no choice they must forage. br It’s tantamount to suicide. br br Just one mistake and they will die. br Predators can strike from the sky. br so suddenly and silently br The oldest rules of all apply br br to prey and to each predator br Nature red in tooth and claw. br An old but very true adage br which will remain for evermore. br br The river flows on placidly br quite unaware apparently br of happenings upon life’s stage.. br In undisturbed tranquillity. br br The river here runs deep and slow br A favourite place I choose to go br To scribble words upon a page. br my pencil moving to and fro. br br My presence does not cause upset br they do not see me as a threat. br Until I move to turn my page. br Though I try not to, I forget. br br I watch the watchers watching me. br I pique their curiosity br I find it difficult gauge br who watches who the most closely. br br Towards the closing of the day br I have to go but they will stay br safe hidden in the foliage. br From which they very rarely stray. br br 15072009 br br http: blog.myspace.compoeticpiersbr br ivor or ivor.