Have you ever thought about

how a stream approaches a

rock that blocks its way? It looks

for a crack, an opening,

and then easily finds its

way while making beautiful

music for all to enjoy.

Frost on the ground and a nip in the air,

controversy over Starbucks cups and 114 dead,

twinkling candles in window frames,

Senate blocks expanded gun checks,

trees on car tops and Handel’s Messiah,

14 dead in San Bernardino,

decorations down from attic and wreath on the door,

a friend’s son killed in a crash on I-64,

sun finds diamonds in frost-kissed grass,

irate candidates fume and blame,

soft belly breathing and a bank teller’s smile.

All part of the tapestry of this complex life.