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Midday Sun Falls Upon A Fountain

Tranquil waters tell a million stories

By Ryan BurkeyPublished 6 months ago 1 min read

Midday sunlight pours down

Over a bustling town square,

Humanity passes by in all its forms

As the hum of busyness fills the summer air

——-

Businessmen hurry by,

Children laugh and play,

Elders sit thoughtfully in reflection,

Vendors sell their confections

As a quiet afternoon ticks away

——-

Amid the din of city life is the quiet, peaceful trickle

Of a storied fountain filled with grimy pennies and nickels

——-

As the light hits the still pool just so,

Inquiring minds silently ponder

The countless lives that have encountered

This gurgling urban geyser

——-

Oh the thousands of wishes that have been cast into its shallow depths

Some on a mindless whim, others with true heartfelt intent

——-

Oh the many young ones who have splashed and waded,

The homeless souls who have cleansed and bathed,

Even the pigeons who daily find refreshment and drink

In the waters of this communal spring

——-

How many broken hearts sat on the edge of the basin

Letting its soothing waters heal their inner pain

How many bursts of joy,

marriage proposals,

family photos,

lunch and coffee dates,

and reunions of companions

were had at this gathering place

——-

A constellation of conversations and memories

All made — and fade away —

At this civic oasis

——-

Yes, when the light hits the water just so,

A million stories are told —

Some sparkling, some dull —

But all reflect and refract the lives of those who pass by

This beautiful, bubbling fountain

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About the Creator

Ryan Burkey

PNW native. Government analyst by day and a writer, song-writer and musician by night. Writing topics include nature, faith, relationships, and social commentary. Hobbies are traveling, coffee shop vibes, food, and comedy.

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Comments (1)

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  • Reiley6 months ago

    I absolutely loved this. I could see and feel the imagery of so many memories, voices, and emotions that had surrounded this sunlit fountain. Great job!

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