Words on Water (Poetry)

A fluid spell inscribed upon its surface -
a mirror bouncing back soft scraps of light -
small ripples circle close to understanding
and shadows sink their differences from sight.

Each dangling leaf and passing cloud reflected,
each reed and flower echoed by a twin
below the surface, captured by the river -
they're doomed to shiver, pale and ghostly-thin.

Rushes, rowing boats and weeping willows -
water mimics everything on show,
holds the image like a scene enchanted,
worried by the breeze to let it go.

The river whispers endless invocations -
the elements of earth and air comply
and from the bank Narcissus leans, forever
transfixed, along with liquid hills and sky.