I Can Be Like Water

I've tumbled over concepts

all too frequently,

about constituents that make a person

all that they can be.

*

Were we stamped in the womb

with our genetic code,

planned for a singular purpose

only living could make known?

*

Looking at the water

as it washed over my feet,

I deduced beliefs could complicate

the truths we all could meet.

*

Water never settled

in one consistent state,

it moved and flowed and bent itself

in rivers, creeks, and straits.

*

Water stretches to oceans

makes homes for whales and fish,

answers the moon in changing tides

like an 11:11 wish.

*

Water gathers across the sky

in cumulonimbus clouds,

drifting in dreamy shapes

or clapping thunder loud.

*

Water falls down softly

to nourish plants with sodden soil,

it fills our cups on cold days

when the kettle sings its boil.

*

Water settles on winter streets

in blankets of sparkling snow,

it forms itself in angels and men

at less than 25 below.

*

Water crackles under blades

as they carve the icy lake,

it opens spots into its depths

to simply jolt you awake.

*

Water transforms its existence

from frozen to flowing to steam,

but I know that it's still water

because it winks and it gleams.

*

I can follow what I'm meant for

be told all that I can be,

or I can be like water

it's all up to me.