Reflections At A Fish Pond Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Mirrored reflections standing stately in the fish pond at
Brophy Prep, wind blowing gently, shaking it slightly like
a bubble.

Mirrored images waving back and forth, blackness of the
night making the water look deeper than it is.

Cool breezes gently waking trees so they won't miss any of
this nighttime beauty.

Shadows lying across the grass, like markers on a grave,
somber peace, deafening quiet all around.

Anxiety inside is stirred, like wet polish moods are being
rubbed off one by one, as I watch the water, quake and move
because of the fish swimming in it's depths.

Nighttime brings with it fears ready to jump up and devour
me, unsoundly pretending not to be afraid, finding that
surprisingly it is so.

Filled with sounds of nighttime dawning, nightmares bounce
back and forth, bringing their terrors, trying to make me
run.

Yet I stay, sitting on the wall of the fish pond, recounting
many episodes of life that are better unknown, better under-
ground.

Leaves hitting up against the walls, crackling their heads
to keep from falling off.

Sensing a deeper note of calm approaching, soon I will be
able to go home.