water line by j.lewis (HOW TO HEAL THE EARTH Series)

water line
by j.lewis

toad will think nothing
of the constant hand
that keeps the lilies clear
grooming the shading leaves
and quiet water
that all but guarantee
progeny to infinity
in the absence of plastic
of paper
of tin

heron will ignore him
think nothing of the clearness
of the pool he fishes
bent only on the catch
that glimmers near the shore

simplicity
a long pole rake and canvas bag
brought daily to this pond
erasing the indifference
of fast-food trash
and careless hands
along the water line

PHOTO: Toad and Lily Pond by Barb984.

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I wrote this poem as one of a series for a reading sponsored by waterlinewriters.org (defunct). It later appeared in my first collection a clear day in october (Empire & Great Jones Little Press).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: j.lewis is an internationally published poet, musician, nurse practitioner, and Editor of Verse-Virtual, an online journal and community. When he is not otherwise occupied, he is often on a kayak, exploring and photographing the waterways near his home in California. He has three full-length collections and several chapbooks to his credit. Learn more at his website or on his Facebook page.