The water runs despite me standing here. I can do nothing to stop its flow. All this I try and take with me as I leave yet cannot. Like the way the waters meet and run together How the edges turn gently pooling Where eddies still rippled lose focus As dappled surface renders depths unknown When grey rocks colour underwater. There is no carrying these things which make heavy burdens light. Water cupped into hands is river no more memories of beauty contained undivided let go And become her unrelenting flow of energy and ever onward stream. Apart or a part? Reaching out to touch the tree Standing in the shadow of the branches Swimming between the rocks Catching the light of the sun upon my face A part or apart of this? Drawn to touch the mirror glass surface Suddenly shattered, a thousand shards reflect back Withdraw and it recomposes yet one touch rippled outwards for an age waves of disturbance radiate away as if something unwanted, yet a gentler touch, the water parts, allows space within To participate alongside, caressing sunlight reflected The potential of all things cradled in the palm of my hand I must immerse myself to be a part. I am lost in the flow I am tumbled over I am rippled with swirling beauty I am content, at peace inspired I am the tranquil sussurus Until at breaking point unknown I am overpowered in the unending flow I am waterfalling sparkling translucent overflowing until, crushed, thrown, the sky refracted I am intricately woven again and lost in the flow. Stuart Elliott December 2023