SUBJECT: River Water

Tiny droplets, consumed by the river as they fall into it’s eddy to get carried away on the currents. The clouds overhead have broken apart, revealing again sunbeams that cast sparkling glares on the surface. Deer shake themselves and drink from the cool water, hooves sliding on a muddy bank, to be swirled around like stirring cream into a cup of coffee. The constant babbling of water against stone sings through the forest. Steady wings cut through the air, Whoosh, whoosh, talons extend… the babbling explodes in a flurry of splashes and struggle as the Eagle claims his prize. The fish fights to return to its life in the river, but the Eagle is strong and wings carry them both back to the heights. The fish will never know the silky water again.
Ferns unfold near a sandy bank. Summoned by the power of the sun and the fresh rainfall, they unfurl their leaves, stretching, reaching with leaf and root for the water of the river and the water that just fell from the sky. Life giving and uplifting.
The river is both giver and taker of life. The world turns around within its eddies where minnows shelter from the current. The universe is reflected within its rippling undulation. The world is a mirror of this perfect creator/destroyer. Without it, life would cease to exist. The forest would shrivel in its absence. There would be no grounding and unifying force to maintain the stability of life. Stones create a symphony of sound and musical clamor as the river glides over a rocky crossing. This music is accompanied by tumbling pebbles that loosen their grip in a strong rush. Tumbling away, even the stones come alive in this weightless wonderland. Boots clash through the water, dislodging a few pebbles to be carried off in the undertow. Crossing the river to a flat, grassy meadow, a man heaves his pack from his back.
He hadn’t seen the deer come to drink.
He hadn’t seen the water drip from the tree.
He hadn’t seen the Eagle hunting fish just upriver.
And as he sat down on the grass to catch his breath, he hadn’t noticed the bear approaching from the forest behind him.
He removed his hat and leaned forward to splash his sweat away with the frigid water. He let himself relax into the coolness of it. He listened to it’s music, closed his eyes. Took a deep breath. Another deep breath. Behind him, he could hear another breath exhale raising the hair on his skin. Turning, the man stood on his feet instinctively, sensing the danger. The bear, becoming startled at the quick action, rose the same and met the man on two legs, looming over him. The bear ahead and the river to his back, he just stood still and breathed Deeply. Eyes never leaving the bear for a second.
The river paid no attention to their confrontation. It continued to sing over pebbles and take in the dripping of trees and to nourish the world. Whatever would pass between the two, the river would do nothing. It’s neutrality required nothing. The river would remain.