The dam

It is only a dam

At the bottom of the paddocks

It reflects the sky 

In its various moods

Or does it only?

For I have seen it 

White, reflecting nothing

Opaque with its whiteness.

I have seen it black

From the forest water run off

After a storm

Perfect scrying mirror .

I have seen it in lazy brown 

Slowly shrinking in the drought

With the mud crackling around .

I have seen it pink

With the gumtree pollen 

Spread on its surface.

I have seen it green

By the pure reflection 

From the eucalyptus.

I have seen it silver

When the moon searches

For her own soul 

On winter nights.

You would say

It's only a dam

Mirror of life

Empty illusion

Yet it's alive

With frogs, tadpoles

Yabbies, Fish

Even the odd tiger leech

Visited by Roos,

Water fowls, snakes,

Humans, dog and cat

It's a world in itself

Content to be.

Lucette C. Bailliet

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