Pond

ripples from skipped stones-
a startled box turtle slips
beneath the surface
–
sudden silence-
dragonflies rest
on dimpled water

a grove of white oaks
standing in a flooded field-
leafless in summer
–
silver on black-
the koi swim
in the moon

gold and silver koi
resting by the water’s edge
scatter the moonlight
–
water lilies-
a dragonfly’s
reflection

a thin skin of ice
on the koi pond slowly melts
in the morning sun
–
floating leaves-
autumn carp swim
in lazy circles

a box turtle’s shell
barely breaking the surface
gently making waves