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Spawn Of The Salmon

Fast runs the river flowing to the sea
Through mountain valleys it runs on so free
And up through the current the salmon will swim
Back to their spawning grounds far far upstream

They run a gauntlet fighting rivers flow
Inching their way and jumping as they go
Encountering so many hazards to find
That one perfect place that's implanted in mind

Bravely they battle through rivers that roar
Straining their bodies to gain ground once more
Now upstream at falls the bears lie in wait
Sealing the end and ending their fate

The bears take their fill till they cant eat more
Then the eagle comes in and takes off some more
But the urge of salmon is born from instinct
Onwards they swim to their final precinct

Sea birds are feasting the fish that are wounded
The tired that escaped but are yet floundering
The salmon are fewer almost depleted
But triumphant as they've not been defeated

Swimming onwards hard up through the current
Seeking their pool where their life was begun
Releasing their eggs to flow free in the river
Ending their life now that they have delivered

Next day is sadness as dead salmon flow
Back down the river in it's undertow
All to be feasted upon once again
But the cycle of life begins with it's chain

Jane Shields (C)

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