Rivers

Oft am I tempted by the simple man's dream, that the decisions I make can be enclosed by a fence. Surely the stone that is thrown evokes ripples, but they extend only as far as the rim of a lake ... Not so; not so - though the vision will always tempt, the decisions we make aren't bound by a shore, where we can see all that is done in a glance. The implications extend beyond vision, through time, for our lives are like rivers, running ever on to the sea ... This water I taste, or corrupt, or bless, or blockade - it is not mine, not isolated, not comprehensible by me. What farmer relies on its waters a hundred miles away? What child delights in its sparkling run, or will delight when I am gone someday? What descendant of mine shall sit on this grass by the stream and be inspired to verse? So I shall choose my course with care and keep my waters clean. In humble knowledge that my acts may ne'er be seen - but they will always be felt beyond what I can dream. 16 August 2020 Inspired by the North Fork Cache La Poudre River at Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch on 15 August 2020