DUTCH WATERS


In the lowlands
Where the fingered channels of ebony waters flow
Two sisters of Delft, wind-buffeted,
With braided flaxen hair,
Know where they want to go...
Over the stone and metal bridge to the canal wall.
They will sit and angle their toes
An inch or two from the water's edge,
Leaning forward, glimpsing their faces
In the quivering mirror of the turbid stream.

What demons, sea devils, unworldly creatures
Dwell in the dark and ominous labyrinth?
"Jump" snapped the older one,
"I dare you, I double dare you"
she persisted with a slight shove.

The younger sister, goaded by a dare
She could not ignore
With one deep breath, her heart pounding,
Slipped blissfully into the murky, foreboding water.

The bobbing head and soiled body soon emerged
With closed eyes and a bright smile
Conqueror of the canal, an idol to the darer
A terrified knuckle-biting sister.

On the march home thoughts of the canal
In wintertime covered with thick ice
Shiny and sleek,
Skaters with tassels, festive scarves and mittens
Gliding merrily above the glory she had won.

by: Willy