Do Not Be Like A Stagnant Pond Poem by RIC BASTASA

do not be like a stagnant
pond. the fish dies there and the moss
rots and the air carries the stink
to your nostrils

always like change
make change
let changes occur

a change for the better
or if not just keep on changing
your shape your form
your odor your scent
your mind

do not freeze like ice
instead be like air
or smoke or a sigh
or a breath

keep flowing with the
ways of this universe
and those that
surround you

let them know that
they cannot put you
inside a cage
inside a mold
and then they will call you

an it.

they will fix you a name
and then you become so stuffed
like a toy, a doll,
something so dull
and boring

keep yourself open like
a
flower blooming fully
on its last day

do not close
do not ever think that you die

keep the present
it is yours.