Bridges and Rivers

The bridge stands above the river like it’s better than the river. The bridge is proud and defiant. It’s an accomplishment. Ugly, old, and crumbling, it still supports its burden, albeit with great, heroic effort. It supports itself with reinforced concrete and spite. The bridge won’t let you forget its strength. Thick, heavy, and dirty, the river flows slowly beneath it. The river doesn’t care. It forgives the bridge for being overbearing. The river doesn’t try. It’s effortless. It doesn’t pretend to be anything more than a river. It’s more magnificent than the bridge, simply by virtue of being what it is, without pretense.