I walk by a pool of water
the sun filtering yellow through
the water skippers dancing
the sky a heated blue.

The algae air clings clothing
the sweat runs down my chest
I walk by a pool of water
but I cannot find rest.

I cannot see my iris
in the glassy surface edge
I cannot see my face or hair
or the beads hung on the hedge

I do not know my reason
I do not know the birds
that sing on heavy branches
I do not know their words.

All humans are so tiny
such an interlocking mesh
how many hands it took to build
how many pounds of flesh

No one walks beside me
No one across the lake
No one across the ocean
Am I here by mistake?

The grass is filled with tick shells
the mud smells like a sewer
I cannot see my reflection
Or the clouds upon my skewer

I sit on a rotting tree stump
And stare out at the water
A mosquito welts my arm skin
I am truly nature’s daughter.