Water Ceiling

 

Under the dark silk

of water in this wetland,

fat-headed tadpoles are

wriggling in their aquatic jungle.

Pushing with broad, slippery tails

through layers of old, wet leaves.

Watching with tiny black eyes.

Settling into the soft silt.

Are they vegetarian;

do they like to eat that 

bright green duckweed?

Or do they prefer the

more meaty

aquatic invertebrates?

I hold you briefly in the air;

can see you are stunned in

this foreign atmosphere.

Waiting for four legs

to sprout and grow;

for lungs to breathe

the free air 

above the 

ceiling of water.

© 2021 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 2. 3. & 4. Home Woods Wetland - Cannonsburg, Michigan