River Cycle Poem by David Thornton

Above the highest mountain
the storm clouds all are spent,
the raindrops gather in the lake
to start their long descent.

The waters reach their tipping point,
they're off! They are released,
pouring down the mountain side
the power now unleashed.

Rocks are tossed out of the way.
to form a river bed,
racing ever downwards
as the edges start to spread.

They pour into the villages,
and lap against our walls,
jumping over stepping stones,
creating waterfalls.

Resting in the village pond,
half way through the race,
warming in the sunshine
before picking up the pace.

Flowing through a lovely view
some water creeps away,
captured by the reservoirs,
saved for another day.

But then, at last, a coastal view,
the sea within their reach,
they dive under the promenade,
and head off down the beach.

And here the river meets the sea,
but no rest for the rain,
the clouds soak up the water drops
to start off once again.