The Stone in the River

They said, “You’ll never change the stream, Your plans are just a restless dream.” But stones don’t fear the water’s voice - they stand, they hold, they make the choice to shape the flow, not drift away. Around me, currents laughed and spun, the gifted boats sailed in the sun. Yet in the deep, I learned to stay, to read the tides, to find the way where rushing waves could not betray. The years went on, the river turned, and bridges stood where stones had learned. Those who had mocked now crossed with care, forgetting they had once stood there to say, “It’s wrong - it can’t be done.” I do not need their late applause. The river bends to deeper laws. And those who stand when all else moves will find the strength the stream approves, and greet the rising sun.