A crystal stream winds around
a majestic fir tree stretching to heaven.
There are trees by a river everywhere,
but here is an uncommon variation.

In the beginning, the two had been alone.
They were small and apart.
The seasons sustained them.
Falling rain fed the roots of each.

They were unaware of the ways of nature.
The tree’s patient growth
is a friend to the water’s rapid flow.
Now they have an intimate connection.

The tree and stream are together.
The world they share is growing.
They join each other in the barren gorge.
They are there because of the ways of love.

William Wayne Smith

Original image: Triglav National Park. By Iñaki MT [Image license]