A cloud of black smoke upstream
hearlded the arrival of a steamboat.
She made her appearance
a picture of majesty
with her high texas
gleaming white in the noonday sun,
a picture of grace and speed.

Fear streaks through the air
as a faint cry echoes across
the Missouri plains.
All aback, a snag, a snag!
All was in vain
Slowly the hull raised up, up, up
then down, with a muffled crack,
as the river’s concealed weapon thrust deep
into the guts of its unwary prey.

Stream,smoke, the frantic voices.
Then silence
The abandoned hulk slowly smashed to pieces
and devoured by a ravenous river.

To read more of my articles click on my name above or add me as your friends on triond click here