Pebbles

Suddenly rushing, rushing, rushing
The water plunges
Over the dam.
Built long ago
And now crumbling
Into the river sweeping over it.

I toss a pebble
Into the smooth water
Draped over the dam.
Gulp.
It disappears.
Enveloped by the river
Plunging to the bottom,
Or perhaps swept
Downstream.

I toss a pebble
Into the smooth water
Resting behind the dam.
Ripples spread
Concentrically
Expanding
Distorting reflections
Until they reach the shore.
Then bouncing back to
Meet the ripples
Still approaching.

Magical visions of life
Appear.
There.
That is where the pebble went.