Think On This

Fly Ranch Geyser, Washoe County, Nevada

I am a river churning seaward underground,

surrounded by a cavern, solid granite but for 

fissures I insinuate my presence into, yearning for 

the surface, called by light and dandelions and 

loveliness... for I am more than ordinary water.

In my memory are joy and sorrow, thoughts of

katydids reminding me what time it is—and I recall

contentment. In another life I celebrated

when the wind was fragrant and the wheat was

prideful in its deep green summer garment. Inch 

by inch, wherever I detect the merest acquiescence

or irregularity in this, my prison, I press on with 

certainty that even if I wished I could not stay 

invisible and unappreciated. More than mission, 

more than destiny, my purpose is necessity—to 

manifest as stream or cataract in consonance with 

elemental earth and wind. I never tire; my work 

needs neither effort nor resilience, for it is of the 

universe and thus of love. I cannot go amiss. Long 

since I tamed my only enemies, impatience and its 

sister, striving. Now I wait, when waiting is required,

remaining vigilant, until the rock gives way to air 

and freedom and the open sky.

by Mary Campbell, May 3, 2016