De Javu In The Clear Pond..... Poem by RIC BASTASA

in the stillness of the
pond behind the old house
where grandfather died the
fish swims alone as it tries
to rise from the clear water
to get air, and it looks at
you as though you have met
once, in a very familiar gaze
which who cannot anymore remember
where or when......

it is the sad eyes of the fish
which mirror you that gives you
more comfort in the stillness of
this pond, and then you finally
decide not to fish it anymore.

it is the death that you remember.
it is life that makes you forget.