One tall, three small
Darting back and forth,
Skipping stones on the still shore.

Rippled stepping-stones, ever broadening,
Overlapping;
Sky and clouds in kaleidoscopic fragments
Momentarily
Till peace abides once more.

Statuesque gulls
Larger than life
Dot the calm mirror of sun and sky.

Quiet...
......discovery...
................excitement...
"Look, Daddy! - the stone jumped!"

Leisurely steps following the shore.
Small footprints
Crossing and recrossing;
Tiny hands and eyes
Busy, exploring.

Silence.
Stone scratching stone.

" DADDY !!! "
"Look - it chalks!
The stone chalks!!"

Red...
.....brown...
...........yellow...
..................black!!!

Small pockets filled with treasures;
A trail of marks on flat stones;
Footprints along the water's edge;
Gulls undisturbed, resting.

How few the traces left behind
Of discovery, and its joy,
By three small members of mankind!

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