pond

I blubbery salamander
working way through creek
transform as I go.
Extend hands reaching out,
form body against algae.
Thank you, bits of green
under toes, soft and wet
your coat of mud
between webbed fingers.

I duckweed up above
shine like granny smith.
Cover the density of me
against water surface
like blanket.
A spidery silken scarf
drapes overhead
amphibious mess.
Beneath my rubber leaves
--that look slimy but are not--
watch frog/tad beauties
and salamander friends
--that are slimy but look slick
like rainbows.
Wrap ourselves inside ourselves.
Forever protection.

Watch friend salamander
coax down grey rock.
I myself have faster swim.
Spend time in stillness
zip along racing through creeks.
Bend legs and arms
quick switchblades.
Swish tail, turn bulbous head
burrowing in lacing mass.
One day will emerge.
Spend days on stone on pad.
Rapid plops in/out water,
flash tongue shooting,
six-legged bite
will make up for

now 


slow


underneath.

Photo by Niharika Bandaru on Facebook