Beautiful, winding waters.

Crystalline in their clearness, 

sparkling stones shimmering

in the riverbed as water 

slowly burbles above it.

Smooth talking, 

the water whispers and whistles 

to each passerby to stare 

at the shiny stones, 

to take one for themselves. 

Maybe one comes along, 

and slips into the water. 

The stream laughs at them, 

and slows her shallow waters, 

merciful to the silly passerby. 

Instead of taking, 

the wet soul may stop, 

and admire her beauty up close. 

Her shimmering stones not her most lovely feature, 

but her kind, slow current 

guiding minnows and grassy scents downstream. 

They’ll smile and leave her well alone. 

Year by year, 

her stones only grow, 

thrown as loving “thank you’s” and “goodbyes.”