Haibun

FOUR PONDS

 

There are four ponds within a mile of our house, each different.  One, at the bottom of a sweeping lawn, mirrors the stately white colonial house.   Four white Adirondack chairs stand together.  They are always empty.

reflected willows

in this world of opposites

how do I choose? 

Narrowing at one end, the water flows under the road, emerging on the other side, first as a stream, then growing into a pond edged with rough bushes and untamed nature. 

ice sculptures

on the spillway

flowing lights

 
Further down the twisting road is a pond which in a dry summer shrinks to hot tub size.  This year it has swollen to reach beyond several trees and a picnic table. 
 
thunder storm

algae on the pond

regroup

The  largest of the four, perhaps 250 yards long and 60 yards across at its widest point, attracts ducks and geese as they migrate.  The banks, clear of trees and brush, are broad and green and mowed.  The color of sky–blue, gray, black– the pond ripples in the wind and tosses back sequins in sunlight .

slate green pond

shadows above and below

the thin ice

Contemporary Haibun On-line, April 2012