Page from Cyclamens and Swords

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Poems and illustrations - Helen Bar-Lev
Poems - Johnmichael Simon

I am a pond

I am a pond
sitting reflectively
amongst the reeds
on the plains
of the Galilee

looking up
to the mountains around me
to the graceful heavens
looking within
to the wetness
of my fishful depths

storm clouds reflect
ponderously
the moon uses me
for a mirror
to see her beauty
the sun has fun
sending flaming sparkles
over my surface

I am a vessel of memories
a station for eons of migrations -
birds search for me
storks seek me hungrily
value my generosity
robins and warblers
find protection
between my reeds

Fish swim in my belly
tickle me
ripple me
blow bubbles at me

I am a quiet pond
reflecting reflections
observe as I am in turn observed
ask no questions
note without judgment
that only humans don’t care
what their reflections
reveal of them

(c) Helen Bar-Lev