Way down deep upon the slow black Suwannee, there is a creature I dared not touch.
A beast often feared for reasons obscured or judgements to often deceiving.
The common man list three facts as evidence when placing a verdict.
The beast is wild, impulsive and speaks like hourly wages.
A sign posted: USE CAUTION!
Souls engaged by unkept ways will be exiled.
Once after a Springtime rain, while mooring kayaks and canoes, I ambled the river’s edge.
As I peered past where prideful feet paused.
Down a distance upon the rocks, hidden by cypress and stream.
I spied the Suwannee River Monster
In silence from my secret perch, I watched his gangled silhouette.
Veiled by lavender mist and Spanish moss, a grin slid across my brow.
ITS TRUE! Hunched back, razored teeth, and growling with corrupt intentions.
I whispered derision while the mockingbirds rang in chorus
But, as he slid through the shadows, the veil diminished and I learned the sacrament of Arthur Radley.
His reject form seemed reborn as he gathered our vessels from drifting.
No alarm was sound nor danger found. Just a crew rescued while bathing in blindness.
An invisible grace, from one whom men hid their face,
And I heard the beast sing something softly.
I don’t blame those who missed the moment.
But as for me, my gratitude is incomplete.
For I peered past the mist and still kept my distance.
It seems the common man’s verdict was too precious in my heart.
How I wish wisdom was tandem with age,
For I saw the grace, but did not embrace,
His kindness as children drew near him.