The water's whisper is
broken
By those at play drifting
down stream,
Unknown is each one's
purpose
But away from life's test
happiness is seen.
Drifting Down the River
— Paul Kibler Lown, the River Walk Poet

The River Walk Poet doesn't look like what poets should look like. Paul Lown is ramrod straight with pale piercing eyes. His hair is gray and closely cropped. The man has the look of career military.

After listening to him, the perception remains unchanged. Poets are supposed to be flighty, romantic creatures with little structure; folks who get misty eyed at the thought of puppies, small children, and butterflies.

Lown is a structured man, maybe even a bit rigid. He doesn't condone smoking, foul language, or wasting time. He has a morning routine that helps him feel comfortable as the day begins. He even organizes his pantry alphabetically. It is hard to imagine Robert Frost making sure the corn comes before the peas.

Yet, Paul Lown is without question a poet. He writes prolifically; more than 2,000 pieces are currently stored in his bookcase. He also sees and thinks like a poet. Observations about how people rush through the Cayce River Walk Park without noticing their surroundings trouble him.

"Looking at their faces, I can tell they aren't enjoying this place. I can watch an ant climb a tree into the sky and wonder if he understands how impressive the feat is. Most people are in too big of a hurry."

The man has lived a hard life. A particularly difficult divorce, losing a job without getting fair compensation, life threatening injuries, and estrangement from family members have all spiced his current outlook on life. But a strong religious faith, the gift of observation, and truckloads of leisure time to be inspired have made Paul Lown a seemingly contented man.

Paul Lown could care less about popularity. He writes things down and makes them rhyme because it is important to him. He gains therapy and satisfaction from putting the right words down in the right order. Making lots of money and becoming famous are secondary. The only real benefit would be the realization that his work is appreciated.

Lown has two books

available; Love Needs a GPS,

 

 

 

and Observation & Comparison.

 

 

 

 

 

 

They aren't for sale in bookstores, but if you see him walking down by the river he will probably give you a copy. The River Walk Poet thinks he can heal folks with his rhyming verse and doesn't think he should charge for that especially since he has so much fun writing it down.