Way down deep upon the slow black Suwannee, there is a creature I did 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 consumed 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 then, as he slid through the shadows, the sacrament of Arthur Radley.
His reject form seemed reborn as he gathered our vessels from drifting.
No alarm was sound and the danger not found. Just a crew rescued while bathing in blindness.
An invisible grace, from one whom men hid their face,
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.