Pond Otter

A curious periscope with whiskers
and fangs considers me.

Reflections of oak
and pine drape the pond
like a tablecloth.

In the forest heights,
an owl asks its question
as the otter slips beneath
the pool's shimmer.

A boy at the water's edge
tosses an acorn where the animal
vanished into dark shallows;
marvels at the ripples
spreading outward
like bicycle tires.

He assures me this is where God lives.

Scott Summers