As I sink my feet into cool, rushing water,
pain from calluses on my swollen sole
are eased by the rhythmic waves, 
cool waves that soothed tired knuckles
of young warriors after sparring sessions.  

A woman beside me cups her frail hands,
then fills them up to refresh herself 
from the sweltering June sun,
heat that wore down weary workers
building brick bridges and skyscrapers. 

The water is never still.
It is violent when it flows down,
lively when it bubbles up,
and slow when it curves around.  

My sweat and hers are now mixed 
and flow down into the distance
on the smooth grey stone path.