Turtle Pond

Dedicated to my 3A’s

sunlit pond

savoring smoothness

until dragonfly’s touch erupts

in ripples of laughter

while lily pads lie

demurring in the heat

and the heron’s expert landing,

and the dogs in the mud,

barking frogs,

and the hint of life beneath the surface.

i thought i heard our music:

the beginning part with the child’s voice screaming “fire!”

but it was some other rustling wind song

remembering wings

beating furiously, my heart,

into a wide new shape.

you’ve touched every part of me

and i miss seeing you dance.