Stepping Stones and Crossings
By Serenity Tran
The river cuts through the land
dividing it, becoming an obstacle to cross.
There are so many bridges, but so many
people have crossed them already.
I'd like to build my own bridge
--all of these are worn and used.
But building bridges takes so much time--
and so much unneeded effort.
In my patience, I notice of those who cross here
--they have so many stories to tell.
Their mistakes and sorrows and joys
become my lessons and gathered wisdom.
Whether they've known it or not,
their experiences become my gifts of knowledge.
With these lessons in mind, I don’t have to follow
everyone else--I know they'll be back here again
crossing the same bridges and rivers.
Standing here, musing, I can see my way across,
Step by step, and one stone at a time.
I'll cross this river my way
--with these river stones.
Mother Earth left them here for us to use
--but how many of us can acknowledge Her presence
to even know of her gifts? Why rape Her to create
a crossing, when one already exists?
Naw, I'll take it slow, and take it easy.
Sure seems like such a cliché, but nowadays
looks like simplicity and common sense aren’t common.
I know i haven't forgotten, and I'll get there
eventually: one stepping-stone at a time.