This is a view of the stony water break that separates our "pond" (which is actually a small widening of our brook) from the faster flowing water downstream. I like to examine the line of little waterfalls of the break to get a daily report on the state of the river.  In my interview with the brook, it often tells me of its daily condition in pragmatic terms. It may say "the water level is high today" or maybe it's "lower than yesterday." It tells me of seasonal observations, like "today I am carrying away the spent tree flowers." Eventually that flotsam will be replaced by other seasonal signatures like autumn leaves or ice chunks.

But sometimes the brook seems to have a more poetic way of expressing itself. On this winter day, the sunrise was reflected by the brook, which, at the break, seemed to wear the pink light like a tiara or some sparkling jewelry that it playfully and joyfully, flaunted. The luminous embellishment was a temporary adornment, however. as the sunrise colors never last long enough! The pink jewels seemed to be taken downstream, like everything the river carries, as it swirls and rushes ever onward and away. The message seemed to me to be one of holding a moment of appreciation for impermanent but delightful gifts of the earth.