LITTLE TRICKLE

I've wondered throughout the years how this little trickle of water came to be, in the woods south of Tom's Creek.  I'm sitting beside this small drainage ditch today that runs from the south edge of our woods all the way to the creek.  It's lined with moss and ferns and crystal clear water.  Could this tiny channel have been dug by beaver long ago or by early settlers trying to drain farm land?

My favorite part about this "little trickle" is that it's shallow, sandy, and filled with pretty rocks.  I always dream of finding an agate here, but haven't yet.


In dry times this little stream stops flowing.  In wintertime with a skiff of ice covering it, the channel makes a narrow but handy trail for mink or muskrats to scoot down to the creek on.

With clear water flowing through it today, too little to even make a sound, the sunlight casting shadows on the ripples looks so peaceful.    


As I walk back home, stepping over occasional wolf scat and tons of deer tracks that crisscross the trail, the cool breeze blows through the treetops and sunshine lights my path.  It's a beautiful mid September Wisconsin day!

Little stream, full of dreams...
Ripples, sun, and shadows, 
Little pebbles, little sticks and little stones.

Keep on trickling, to the creek, to the rivers, to the ocean...
And when you get there, let the sunset shine on you.

A Princess Pine at my feet beside the little trickle.