You who are a mirror to the world
Whose body cradles birds as they float,
Their wings furled.
Your gentle waves carry them like a sailor on a boat.
Your motions calm those in times of strife
The watering hole for those that dry.
The principal point for all of life;
Surface ever reflecting the temper of the sky.
In the sun, you bask in its light,
Preening for the whole world to see.
But when the clouds roll in and the rain starts to fight,
Your nature urges all others to flee.
Your waters froth and rupture
Against an earthen border,
Those who would seek to venture
To approach you in such a foul mood, a warder.
How many lives have you witnessed approaching your shore?
How many creatures have poured out their souls to you,
And do you hunger for more?
Their joys and sorrows zephyr flew
Across your surface at your implore.
How many tears do your waves consume?
Drawn into your surface in cresting blooms.
A reflection of beauty born from the womb
Of heartache and pain.
Your lapping waves hold each refrain.
As time moves on in its ever-wane.
Can you recall the whispers of love and loss
The bells of children laughing as it is carried across
Your face, on the wings of wild geese
Your rippling waters herald fortifying peace.
Bewitching waters, how you do inspire,
A sense of wonder that never tires.
As I sit by your shore, I do desire,
To find myself in peace from this unending ire
So I'll come to you time and again,
To find this peace that you sustain.
With you, my soul shall remain,
Basking in your song of earthly refrain.
And even when I leave
Oh how far I shall be
For your comfort, I will grieve
For that time when I was free.
Reflection and process:
I was given an art project to write poetically about the lake that is on the Manor property, and I thought I would share the result here. This assignment was a lot of fun 'cause I don’t usually find the time or inspiration to write poetry.
When it comes to writing about nature, there is so much to work with, however, so these lines flowed fairly naturally. As an English major, I am well versed in assignments of this nature, so my creative process for projects like this comes second nature.
I spent some time gazing out at the expanse of water and contemplating all the emotions and their respective sentiments that arose. The thought occurred to write the poem as an almost love letter of sorts, an ode to the peace and comfort that such a powerful force has brought me and countless others throughout time.
I have always loved contemplating the passage of time and how surrounding trees and landscapes have been witness to so much throughout history. How many lives have these monuments touched, and how many more will come after I leave? It is an existential rabbit hole to go down, but existential topics make the best poetry, so in this case, it was a perfect muse.
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