By Any Other Name

The river’s not really a river

‘Cause water can flow either way.

Right now it is tumbling downtown.

Tomorrow? I simply can’t say.

The jet skiers seem not to mind much;

The same for each tugboat or ferry.

I wonder if they’re all aware that

They’re riding a brisk estuary.

When mapmakers draw up their pictures,

Simplicity’s what they deliver.

It’s hard to say East Estuary,

So that’s why it’s called the East River.