Geosonnet 40

The muddy bosom sunset turns to gold

Contrary runs to playa, or to sea.

But though the flow of human blood seems old

‘tis but a spray, seen by geology.

The shady banks, by forests overgrown

Are stabilized by roots of growing trees.

Far different are the rivers Langston’s known

To those which ran ere plants emerged from seas.

The math predicts, and Tombador confirms

Meanders become braids without a plant.

The shallow floodplain channels build up berms.

The mud in verdant floodplains now is scant.

   So when at last we cross the Styx, beware:

   Its lifeless banks will split the channels there.

Geology 44 203

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