Saturday 14 February 2009

Looking into the Lake

THE LAKE

I looked at the water and watched the scum
trimming the grassy edge
jostling with scraps from old plastic bags,
and take-away boxes of chips.

I looked in the water, and saw my face
distorted by wind-driven wrinkles.
A grey-haired old harridan, ugly and weird,
I laughed, but I looked no better!

I looked into the water as the sun came out,
and a billion miles of space shone forth
between the cloud and I lost myself
in contemplation of a blue eternity.

8 comments:

much2ponder said...

"contemplation of a blue eternity" I love it! I often look up at the sky. It seems just being outside makes the world so much bigger. When the sun is shining and the sky is blue...it does my heart and attitude good:) It's snowing here today, oh well, such is February in Wisconsin. Cold and snowy. I will try to make the best of it by getting outside anyway. Spring is just around the corner.

Marja said...

Wow an amazing poem Yep Sad these plastic bags littering the lake
The observer is a bit hard on reflection
The last line is so very beuatiful
Did you write it?
Oh I nearly forgot I've got an award waiting for you

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Wonderful poem - makes you think about what we are doing to this lovely earth. But then the sun comes out - amazing difference. A

Gilly said...

Yes, I did write it - a few years ago, though! Still feel the same sentiments.

Maureen said...

Gilly, you have a gift. I mentioned this before, but will say it again: what about doing a little book with photographs and commentaries/poems?

Just a little encouragement from a relative stranger!!

God bless you,
Maureen

Rainbow dreams said...

Love your poetry.
Gilly I have popped by with an award.. thank you for being you, Katie, x

much2ponder said...

You have just be awarded the friendship award over at my blog spot. No pressure to pass it along, but I do want you to know I appreciate you:)

awareness said...

Our reflections sometimes astonish dont they? :) This is a beautiful poem, Gilly. I love the last stanza.

I've been struggling and scratching down my thoughts for a poem all weekend and don't seem to be getting anywhere. I may have to put it aside and let it steep a bit and post something else instead.

Hope your Sunday is unfolding nicely....the sun hasn't even peeked out here yet.