Poetry Pick

THE FOREST POND

by Vincent Francis
Ontario, Canada


A large lake cannot be held in the mind's hands,
Cannot be savoured like a worry-stone
Nor weighed in its grave substance

A river is easier to embrace,
Easier to fondle in the mind,
For a river fits the vision's scan,
Nestles in the memory like a cat
To purr contentment for years
Whenever the recollection is stroked.

But a forest pond is best of all
For holding in the cupped hands of memory
And drinking in essence through the straw of time.
It takes little mental room to hold
A pocket-sized pond and feel
The jewel quality of this event.

Yes, a forest pond reflecting in facetting
The ornate beauty of its setting,
Once captured in the mind's net
May be taken out when snow is flying
And when it is caressed it gleams again
Its undiminished spell.

From creampuff waves (Tower Poetry Press, 1977)


 

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