3 Cheritas Poem by Alexandre Nodopaka

Cherita 1

They fly under the water

without flapping a wing
when in reality

they graze its depthless abyss
gliding over a mercurial surface
that mirrors their spirit perfectly.

Cherita 2

The eagle flies high

and lands on the highest tip
of an ancient cedar.

They both know they are on top
of the world with only clouds
and heavens above them.

Cherita 3

Sitting before my pond

watching dragonflies
kiss the surface of the still water

unaware of the gold fish beneath
going about their business oblivious
when a Kingfisher plucks them out.

Cherita 4

Reclining in the dentist's chair

the oral surgeon declaims my diabetes
is too sweet and for one tooth extraction

it isn't worth dying for.
I agree to have the next five pulled
in a more secure environment.

Cherita 5

A stream of water flows left

or right without deliberation.
The natural inclines and obstructions

are its only thoughts.
When placing a rock in its way
its turns around it or plunges over it.

Cherita 6

Near a sonorous stream

even before I see it
my ears become my eyes.

It's only when I try to cross
and ears no longer hear
that sight is welcome.

Cherita 7

Treading cautiously

on the dorsal fins of catfish
I'd rather noodle them

carefully avoiding their side barbs
my hand inside their mouth
deep to my wrist hidden past their gills

Cherita 8

A memoriam for a sitting president
could start with, "Good riddance"
The middle of it could expand to

"At last" and the stone epitaph could read
"Why did it so long"

That's if the stone is big enough to spell all this