poetry

to the trout in the koi pond

to the trout in the koi pond

your rosy-brown length
flows around the lilies
hunting with purpose
so unlike
the lackadaisical golden fish
used to fluttering their ruffles
in this calm pond
(now taking cover
under flat pancake leaves)

my heart jumps
to see you stirring things up
reclaiming this corralled spring
for the unwelcome wild

but the mystery deeper than your origin
is why they want you caught;
why they choose dolled-up koi
over your elegant authentic self