Cycles of Water
by Autumn Hudgens (Age 14)
Droplets of water
Clear like crystal
Pure and vivid against a dark green backdrop
Shining in the morning sun
Drip, drip, drop
They slowly fall to the ground
Trickling down layer after layer
of needles and cones
Gathering on the forest floor
First a puddle
Then a pond
Then a gently swishing stream,
hopping over rocks and duff
A stream trickles to a river,
Gentle swishing turning to a roar
Of foam and froth
Of cool refreshment and unforgiving currents
The river hits a rock
And droplets go flying up
Some landing on the bank
to be evaporated by the noon day warmth
To collect in the air, rising higher
Gathering in clumps of fluffy cotton
Then grey wool
Then dark shadows that make animals flee for shelter
As heavy particles of water come falling from the sky
Droplets of water
Clear like glass
Glistening like the stars above
Gleaming in the moonlight against a grey-green backdrop
As the cycle begins anew
Teen Poetry Award: The Cycle of water flows through this poem, building up from a small droplet until it reaches the stars. Beautiful in its journey and simplicity of that most essential resource for all.
Comments: Judges said, "I could feel the wetness of the water." "It feels seasonal, and I like the build up of the cycles and the mood of it." This is an "excellent exploration of water."
Photo by Quang Nguyen on Pexels.com