At the end of its reach
Apex of leaf
The slow sudden release
From the point of a whorl
A translucent pearl
Gift to the world

Sheening the skin
Rising within
On needles and pins
Combing all fear
Of the doubting believer
The sweating veneer

A sail catches wind
Both the means and the end
How a journey begins
One wave at a time
One prow through the brine
A crest to be climbed

It soddens parched earth
Gives life, meters death
In abundance and dearth
So fully immersed
In reversal of thirst

Is this what water is?

© jameshoustonarts 2026