She was twelve at the time and we were on an excursion to the mountains from our coastal community. This was her first trip to the mountains and as we made the twisty climb in elevation, so did her excitement. As we passed along the side of a cascading stream filled with boulders, she asked if we could stop.
sunlight and ripples
playing across the water . . .
thoughts wandering
Walking to the water’s edge, my wife and I began stepping from rock to rock working our way into the stream. From behind us we heard, “Wait!” As we turned she said, “I don’t know how to do that.” I responded, “Do what?” and she replied, “Walk out there on the rocks.” What was familiar for us – having been raised in an area much like this – it was unfamiliar to our young companion.
Going back, I took her hand and guided her across the rocks showing her how to step cautiously. Later, I taught her how to skip stones. Simple things really, a mere passing of knowledge.
sun drenched days
and time spent in friendship . . .
sparkling light
— Dan Hardison
Photo by Dan Hardison
Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Haibun, Contemporary Haibun Online - April 2012, vol 8 no 1
