A Stone in Water
This stone.
This water flowing.
This flow of water
streaming over the stone.
You could look at it
all day
and never stop.
How the water
endlessly courses
liquid and bright.
How the stone lies
still below.
If only every day
could be this way
in stillness at the bottom
of motion
with substance at the center
of light.
You will try to hold it
in the palm you stretch
between the sediment and sun
just to believe you live
in the same transparent world;
you will hope to preserve
in the gladness of your senses
(like the blood running through you)
the same arresting motion.
But the instant
you always knew
was coming
arrives
succeeding like all the rest.
Now upon now upon now
the water flows
the stone stays still
and you offer your attention
knowing this moment, too
will last forever.
Copyright 2007 by the Tipton Poetry Journal.
All rights remain the exclusive property of the individual poet and may not be used without their permission.