s t e p p i n g s t o n e s
The word should
be written on top of weathered stones and
scattered across the stream at this bubbling, churning point
the t's are
slick moss-covered logs.
best just step over them. they're slippery
underneath. obstacles over which you must step to ford
the stream. the first one comes early.
the o is slightly
underwater and you have to dip
carefully
the toe of your
show into the clear rippling water. a
smaller stone, the irregular round shape tempts the ankle
to swivel and the foot to get fully soaked in the frigid
water.
the i offers
some handhold, an overhanging branch,
almost halfway across
the s's don't
make the best leaping point to cross the t's.
the space between the g and s looks somewhat contrived.
indeed there is some small submerged stick that one will
have to avoid by feel and instinct.
after that you
can speed up and make for the far bank in tot-
tering awkwardness, stepping onto the shoer off balance
and careening to the right.
Safe.
s e n o t s
g n i p p e t s
That wasn't
so hard, was it?
Adrian
Hoad-Reddick