New Riverwalk Poetry Book Released
The world famous San Antonio Riverwalk is an inspiration for all Texans, but especially San Antonians, many of whom have completed some college education. A busy and vibrant art scene defines the experience of being on the Riverwalk, celebrated by an entire month’s program of art in the annual Contemporary Art Month, in which artists attempt to capture the heart and essence of what it means to be on the Riverwalk.
For the art community, no poet has been more famous or successful than renowned and beloved contemporary poet, Harrild P Flounder. Famed for his hourly show “Poet Stand-Up On The River” on San Antonio Raidio every Wednesday morning, and a guest writer for local papers SA Informer and Riverwalk Express, Harrild is known all across San Antonio for his outspoken views on preserving the history of the Riverwalk and his campaign to legalize gambling and marijuana.
In his new book, Riverwalking, Harrild brings an innercity and philosophical viewpoint to the harsh realities of living with the river, and his 42 poems take the reader on a breathtaking journey through its history, while focusing on the present and casting a wise eye towards a future Riverwalk that hasn’t flowed or been walked upon yet. We were more than proud to be associated with his book, published by San Antonio D’Press later this year, and the poems that comprise his anthology.
Excerpts from RiverWalking: by Harrild P Flounder.
Poem #4: Tourist On The Riverwalk.
Snap! Snap! Goes the camera,
Held at chest height
By a small caucasian woman
Fingers tight, and eyes wide.
Snap! Snap! So many pictures
Of the Riverwalk,
Her fingers tembling
Can’t talk, and so ready.
Snap! Snap! She’s not digital,
Can’t slow down,
No space for the Alamo,
A frown, focusing.
Snap! Snap! Interest lost,
Goes to the mall,
Shops for three hours then
Finds y’all for a drink.
Poem #73: Boat Driver
Facts and trivia, driving round and round;
Little joke here, little quip there, the tourists soak it up.
The water flows, the sun beats down, and a bird
Takes a crap on a small child who cries.
Riverwalk brings history to the piggy eyes
Staring back, focusing, faces and cameras.
Change some facts from the script, making it up;
You are fake history teacher wanting a small tip.
Poem #87: The server
I see her every day, walking to her job
Where she waits and serves and waits.
A scholar on tables, barked at by
Convention people who should know better.
She spits in their food on Fridays,
When she’s had enough then off
To Happy Hour to spend her tips.
