T H I S O R I V E R

The working title for this was 'The Western Reach Part 2' because in some ways it is informed by the same influences, Africa, growing up, growing 'wise', acknowledging our need for God. The river of the title is part Casamance, part Cachew, two rivers I knew well on the West African coast, southern Senegal and Guinea Bissau. I remember the rainy season could make day feel like night the sky was so dark, the palm trees would sway and rivers would form almost in an instant. The next day the ground would be covered in new grass and plants, it was incredible. D.

5 THIS RIVER by DANIEL GOODMAN

This river holds me like a mother does
She teases me like a lover does
I call your name, in vain, you are gone
Not by my side

These hills are like a father to me
These hills could not be further from me
Than I am from you, than you are from me
From me

I call your name, Can you hear me?
Can you hear me call?
I call your name, Can you hear me?
Can you hear me call?

This rain is like a healing of fears
This dark horizon disappears
The dust on the floor, the half open door,
The land is reborn

Everybody knows the pain
Every man bleeds the same
Be still we are lost,
The fast mounting cost of life without you

LISTEN to a sample.