Stone Soup

Where young artists paint the world with words

The international magazine of stories, poems, and art by young writers and artists. Published continuously since 1973.

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The Creek

I stare into the crystal clear water and watch
My life flow by in only a way nature can make it.
My eyes wander to the trees
and notice the pattern of the shadow
the tree casts upon the rough black rocks.
It is then I realize every aspect of the creek—
the fish, the sun flowers and morning flowers,
and a patch of purple lilies.
My world—
with its plants and animals,
loud green frogs and slithery, scaly snakes.
There is so much space
yearning to be discovered,
and I feel the need to explore it.
I look up at the sky
and realize just how lucky I am to be here—
a place just behind my house, a place I can be alone
and let my thoughts run wild.
So, tell me now,
where do you feel at peace?
Where, is your world?

The Creek Bethany Rayfield
Bethany Rayfield, 12
Rolla, Missouri