Sunlight is just peeking through the dense forest as the foliage gives way for a small, gently flowing stream. A dirt path runs beside the stream where she stands, eyes fixed on something over there in the trees. She strains to see. What is it? What could make that sound? The rustling noise gives her a small fright, a shiver runs through her and she takes a small step back, almost losing her footing and tumbling in. A small laugh escapes her lips at the thought of returning home all wet.
But here is where the moment is changed. In an instant her feelings shift as she is turned now nearer to and looking upon this forest stream. The water is clear and beautiful as it leisurely strolls away out of sight around a bend ahead, disappearing into the woods to find its destination. But here she rests and dreams the dreams of better days of hopes yet to be fulfilled and thinks not of when she must leave this sacred, happy place and face the world again with all its travails. Those thoughts and the fear of the unseen in the forest that so frightened her and claimed her attention are no longer here. Here there is only peace. Here there is only joy and complete contentment Here is the beauty of this forest stream.
The stream continues flowing, long after the girl has departed, long after the the deer marching noisily through the trees with her fawn has found food and has drank from its cool, refreshing provision, long after the moon has risen and gone away again, this forest stream keeps flowing.
Collaboration: poem by Sneketoshi, drawn by baleririnka.
Rodeyo
