"West Running Brook" is a philosophical poem by Robert Frost. This poem shows a newly married couple talking about a brook that flows in the West.

Generally, all streams flow eastwards and join the sea. But this stream is exceptional and flows westwards. The exceptional water flow indicates ongoing disagreements, and mismatches, between the couple.

But the wife tries to convince her husband, Fred, that this west-flowing stream also has a Sunken Stone blocking the westward flow. This stone is symbolic of new challenges, which can play an important role in sustaining a relationship in the face of many differences.