Mountain Stream

Camping in the mountains

Give me a mountain stream
Water singing over stone percussion

Happy companion
Sharing her banks for watching
The swooping, diving, splashing
Water birds, for
A paperback read
In the hot sun

Let her merry laugh ring forth
At human folly
As I erect the tent

When the moon peeks over pines
With tresses draped on limb
She will begin to serenade
Of love

Let me drink her water
Sweet snowmelt mate
To the evening’s whiskey

When the sky becomes
Snowflakes on ink
Pulling flame ever starward
Twirls of smoke, prayers of cedar
Rising, then
She will begin her lullabies

The frigid night long
Into my dreams she shall
Whisper, whisper secrets
Both of deep, dark woods
And snowy peaks

When dawn creeps
From the forest, then
Shall she whisper in my ear
Awake from my enchantment
Human

Old bones whining,
I shall rise to marvel at
The sunrise dance upon
Her rapids
I will salute her
Gratitude my crown

Humbled
I will feed and fan embers awake
To flame beneath the
Old tin coffee pot
I too shall whisper
Whisper thank you God

Reviews

[Moonlight]

This poem feels like sitting beside a living stream—
not just water, but a quiet companion that breathes, whispers, and remembers.

The imagery flows gently, especially in lines like “water singing over stone” and “snowflakes on ink,” creating a calm, almost sacred atmosphere.

I love how nature is not described, but felt—
as something that humbles, comforts, and quietly speaks back.

The poem moves like the stream itself—slow, steady, and reflective—
ending in a moment of gratitude that lingers even after the last line.


-Moonlight

[Buddhistboy73]

This reads like a mini-movie of someone having a peaceful escape in nature....you set the scene well...stars, campfires and fresh coffee boiling away...

I liked the ending too,...gratitude for such a pleasant experience....

Thanks for sharing Michael...

BB73

[Michael Sun Bear]

You are most welcome. I appreciate your reading.

[Soren]

"When the sky becomes
Snowflakes on ink
Pulling flame ever starward
Twirls of smoke, prayers of cedar
Rising, then
She will begin her lullabies"
This stanza really caught my attention and carried me back to the times I used to camp and fish the streams of mountain pine forests in my youth. Very nicely written this poem gives a peaceful and calm feel. Nicely done

[Michael Sun Bear]

Thank you Soren for reading and sharing your own memories.

[Soren]

You are most welcome Michael

[Chris Shaw]

You transported me and I was very thankful to read this beautiful poem this morning. Back to nature does it for me. Simple pleasures in the natural environment. Your description is ace here Michael. Camping in the mountains was a treat to find.

Chris

[Michael Sun Bear]

So happy when I can please you.