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Tracks of a Water Molecule

two hydrogen
and one oxygen
descending from exploding stars
created combined
falling with the first raindrop
wandering
a billion years and more

until long ago it felt movement
in the very ancient of oceans warm
and intermingled with a cell
chlorophyll of algae and sunlight
surrounded trilobites
colonies of coral fish
amphibians
drifting as currents
to crash roar on sandy shores
it soared through the tallest tree
free vapors rising realm of clouds
sky and mountain summit snow
falling filling following 
the split to old continents worn
drunk by dinosaurs 
until they all died wet
on the back of a small mammal

and once
on the edge of a lake in Africa
it moistened Lucy's lips
and wonder flickered
on her simian brow
the same wonder traveling
for three million years
through the thirsty soul
of Beethoven's symphonies
and poetry of life and love
and wonder as I gulp down
and swallow
what mostly 
am
I

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Copyright © 1989 by Wataru Ebihara