Creek by Taylor Graham

What's more joyful

than running water? After rain,

our little creek leaps 

and giggles, blows bubbles, chatters

over rocks whose moss opens

all its green mouths to sing

the river song. 

And the old willow leans over the bank 

to see his own reflection 

wrinkled and riffled

with moving, ageless water.

What's more joyous?

A backyard puppy 

who's never seen a natural flow - 

only stainless bowls and faucet, hose, 

and pipes.

Here's free water 

on its great adventure toward the sea. 

What's more joyous

than a puppy tentatively wading out 

then drenching herself 

in that journey, 

splashing as each droplet leaps 

the stairstep falls; finally 

dashing back out

to shake

creekwater all over us

sparkling, joyous in April sun.

Taylor Graham, California, USA