The Dam Builder

The dam builder studies
his environment carefully.
Plans what must be done.
Chooses his materials.

Should he use the smooth
or rough edged rocks?
Fine sand, or coarser gravel?
Crucial engineering thoughts.

Walks along the river.
Looks for just that one spot
where valley meets ridge,
and a rising pool will fill.

Back and forth he carries
another bucket of sand
to match the dam
pictured clearly in his mind.

A lake stretches upstream—
until gravity takes effect.
The dam tumbles down.
Washes dreams out to sea.

He stoops; touches the ruins.
Contemplates rebuilding.
Then shrugs instead
and runs off chasing seagulls.