Heaven's breath coalesced,
Mist forming ever larger silver
Pearls, learned their dances
From angels, whom they kissed
As they fell,
New gifts blessed
Of earth,
Moisture on mountains
At first.
Drops joined one another,
Rivulets fine as newborn locks
Gracing ancient rocks
Absorbing wisdom,
As they traced their faces,
Becoming a stream
Which grew, finding voices
That could laugh and make songs.
Finally a force,
Bursting forth from heights
Increased, and curious,
Embraced new land, meandered
Spreading compassion
To thirsty soil,
Beasts of burden and human;
Sharing with all souls,
Bearing, then nurturing life.
She formed slow pools
For children to play in,
Made a valley of green.
But all journeys which begin,
Must also find end.
So a stream, once rocking
Her shallow bed
Had aged,
Slow, yet ever deep.
Trees wept over her,
Hoping they might stop flow,
Slow time to stare forever
Into their reflections
In the peaceful surface -
Given only gentle kisses,
And soft goodbyes.
River gliding onward,
Called to new purpose.
Used and tired body
Committed finally to ocean.