A Winter Lake. Poem by David Wood

Silent naked trees looked down
From their dew covered banks,
Staring back, their shadows.
The morning winter bright sun
Reflecting their gaze.

The dark waters stood listless
Heavy and absurd without myriads
Of waterbirds tiptoeing gently as
They awkwardly land.

The lake, now black with winters
Bleakness. Sleepy winds not yet
Woken and stand breathless
In pregnant anticipation.
Apart from rising wisps of
Thin translucent morning mist.

A solitary swan guards its empire
Its only companion, a reflection that
Faithfully follows every move.
The only movement is from the feeder
Stream seeking company.

Summers reeds point skywards like
Stalks of cast iron rods frozen in time
Waiting patiently to decompose.
Crisp packets, beer cans and tiny
Plastic particles trespass the bank,
Discarded without thought of their impact.

The lake slowly waits patiently for Spring
To breath new life and purpose, and the
Return of waterbirds from their winter
Vacation and above all - people.