By Still Water
by revbillcook
Midday, stillness settles above the pond.
No breeze stirs the tall grass, dragon flies
Flit and hover above the water Lilies.
I breathe the perfumed stillness of the pond.
An older couple slowly walks along
the water’s edge. They do not notice me.
I am a shadow, someone no one sees.
I do not move, nor do I make a sound.
They approach the edge of the dark water.
The woman bends to touch the pond. Unmoved
Spottled Koi drift close to her. She removes
her shoes and steps into the water.
From far trees a single bird cries
a piercing cry and startled flies away.
Poetry Matters 
I could actually feel the serenity in this…beautiful words so creatively descriptive. Thanks for sharing this with us my friend. Much love ~ Amanda
Amanda, it is a pleasure to share the writing of poetry with you. As always, thanks for your encouragement. – Bill
How tranquil..!! wonderful poem.. you’ve described it so well 🙂
Thank you so much. – Bill
oh so peaceful….excellent setting of the scene…i smiled as she stepped into the water as i would have done the same. glad you linked up with oneshot!
Brian, And thanks for making it possible. I am glad you enjoyed the poem. – Bill
I think serene, tranquil & peaceful, sentiments mentioned in the above comments are excellent words to chose for this piece..wonderful..and thanks for sharing with One shot..cheers Pete
Thanks. And thanks for keeping one shot up and running. I appreciate the opportunity to read and share which it makes possible. – Bill
Vivid scene you create through well written lines— displaying all senses, and conveying a beautiful sadness to observable nature. Thanks, Rev Bill.
Dustus, Always good to hear from you. Thanks. – Bill
nature is such a painting,we all move our brushes all over its sheets and we create marvelous scenes,you certainly did one strike with that peaceful poem here..so calming..loved it..:) thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks for your generous comments. I am glad you enjoyed it. = Bill
So pastoral. Need to go dip my foot into a pond now.
Bill this poem moves in and creates serenity
Thanks for being here with us at One Shot
Beams from the Moon
Thanks. I appreciate the sharing and reading. – Bill
I don’t know how i hadn’t stopped by but am glad i did today and first of all i wish to take a swim in that pond that is how your words made me feel. The shadow makes brings me to live and i can see this couple that stopped by the pond through your eyes, so vivid were your words i could almost touch them like a tree by the side or the grass at the edge of the pond.
Wonderful one shot and thanks for sharing with us all, came by from there.
Wild Rose~
I’m glad you stopped by too. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. – Bill
I don’t know how i hadn’t stopped by but am glad i did today and first of all i wish to take a swim in that pond that is how your words made me feel. The shadow brings me to live and i can see this couple that stopped by the pond through your eyes, so vivid were your words i could almost touch them like a tree by the side or the grass at the edge of the pond.
Wonderful one shot and thanks for sharing with us all, came by from there.
I think i posted twice so this one is the best version/ disregard the earlier one 🙂
Wild Rose~
I enjoyed both comments. Thank you so much for expanding a bit your earlier comment. I appreciate the chance to read what others are doing and to be read that One Shot provides. – Bill
I had a completely different take on this poem from the ones the others had. I saw a scene in which a woman decided to depart this earth in tranquility and her only rebuke was the cry of the bird. The first person “shadow” hung over her. I could be entirely wrong, of course.
I enjoy your reading of the poem. I had hoped that the poem would be suggestive without putting too rigid boundaries around what it suggests. – Bill
subtle and calm like a koi pond…you capture its essense well and spread serenity across the page…..nice read…bkm
Thank you. I enjoy your blog, and am glad that you enjoyed the poem. – Bill
hello, bill.
a wonderful picture that i can feel
I appreciate your comments. Thanks – Bill
This felt like summer — with small gnats near the water; the couple sweating, slightly; and the koi hopeful for nuggets of food to be thrown. And then the bird’s cry. Perfect.
Thank you for your generous comment. I’m glad you enjoyed it. – Bill
Serene and lovely.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I appreciate it. – Bill
this is lovely and peaceful – wish i would sit there right now and bath my feet in the cool water..
Thanks for your encouraging comment. – Bill
serene, and for me, hauntingly beautiful.
very well done indeed.
warm smiles,
Thank you for your generous comment. I appreciate it. – Bill
Excellent painting! The imagery is thick and exact it is like I am watching the scene as opposed to reading about it. Fine writing!
Thank you. I appreciate your encouragment. – Bill
It’s like a haiku in longer form. Nice!
Thanks. I appreciate your encouragement. – Bill
Refreshing! All i had to do was close my eyes and visualize…your words painted a beautiful clear picture… I could see the ripples in the once still water, when the lady places her foot in it..
A lovely calm poem..
Thanks. – Bill
Lovely feel of tranquility. An amazing write with clear imagery.
Cheers.
Thanks. I do appreciate your stopping here. – Bill
A really great description of a tiny moment that, through your observation, becomes eternal. Nicely done!
http://mairmusic.wordpress.com/
Thanks. I appreciate your comment, and I am glad you took the time to stop by here. – Bill
Everything in your piece speaks of the serenity that such spots offer. It had an immediate calming affect. Very nice.
I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by. ; Bill
Thank you for sharing with us this beautiful image you’ve painted with your words.
Thanks. I appreciate your encouraging feedback. – Bill
Such a beautiful gentle poem. Chloe xx
Thank you. I appreciate your encouragement. – Bill
Perfectly lovely, Bill. Serenity. Peace. Wonderful poem. Thank you! 🙂
Thanks. I value your feedback. – Bill