I gaze into the pool -

the pool gazes back,

a dark unblinking eye,

surface perfectly flat.

No ripples or reflections,

a natural sump

a bitter cup.

 

Almost round

with sloping sides

no iris or reeds 

to soften its banks,

no dragonflies

or bathing birds,

just dark, brown black

surface perfectly flat.

 

Above the pool

mosquitoes dance

a hovering mist

of frenzied flight,

no shadows cast,

no tricks of light,

just peat brown ooze,

unmoved by life.

 

I gaze into the pool -

the pool gazes back,

a dark unblinking eye

surface perfectly flat.