The pond outside my window is small
Surrounded by tall grass on the north end
With trees slowly slipping into their winter sleep.

The water alive with gentle ripples
Footprints of gentle rain disturbing the surface
Still mostly undisturbed
Its depth silent untouched

Life is there below the surface
It's tempo hidden from prying eyes.

Life and death
A place of struggle without compassion or mercy
Yet the surface peaceful to the human eye
So much hidden,
Often forgotten,
What is below the calm surface.

Slowly the light fades
A few birds call out to each other
Calling me to thoughts of rest,

To dream,

To perhaps awaken to what is below
Hidden from human eyes.

The depths within are filled with life
Inhabited by creatures fearful if seen in the light of day
Often thought asleep in the deep inner waters.

A lie often believed if not thought about
None the less there
Waiting to be faced

Seeking expression in the world of non-sleep

Also, great beauty lies hidden,
It's burden too heavy to bear
Perhaps more than the monsters,
Those who dwell and feed below,
Filled with madness from their imprisonment.

To see one's true nature both dark and ugly,
As well as what points to the transcendent,
Places a heavy burden on the one who experiences it.
Tearing away ignorance embraced
Into the light bright with reality exposed;

Who can bear it,
The heights and the depths?