Frosted Water

The barren banks, dotted with knobs of white

Alive, branches barely filling, distilling

The clear and cool bright midnight water

That brings a steady chilling, sparkling bite.

Eddies swirl, unfurled by boulders bound;

Beneath the silent water without falter

The leaves of elm and maple swim on restless rapids

Floating fast along the evening river found.

The rushing sounds throughout the timeless night

A thousand whispers - cold and shrill

The water carves a path through brilliant rills

The peaceful calling of the starless bright.

Running over the cold stones and shivering wind

Water cascading, fading over hills and turns

Bringing the first frost, its cost a thousand breaths

As winter calls aloud around the bend.