and on this serene summer's day
it is painted azure mirroring the sky
and green from trees by the banks.
He spots a heron searching for prey
but that's in limited supply
for the river's like a beauty
appearing perfect but with a troubled soul
for sewage is being pumped out,
poison from secluded pipes
with once plentiful fish perishing.
He used to swim here as a boy,
it saddens him so much he cannot bear to stay
knowing wild swimmers would be sick today.